THE Government is delivering the largest ever investment from the Commonwealth in legal assistance with the $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30 (NAJP) which came into effect on July 1.
The partnership will deliver a critical increase of $800 million in funding across five years to the legal assistance sector; strengthening legal and support services and more importantly, helping to deliver better outcomes and improved access to justice for those who need it most.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell visited the Northern Community Legal Centre (NCLC) in Wallan recently to discuss with them the issues all frontline legal assistance organisations are facing.
“Access to justice can make an immense difference in the lives of individuals and communities,” he said.
“These organisations are providing a crucial avenue for people in our community with critical legal assistance and support services, all with invaluable expertise which has played a major role in the development of the NAJP.
“Services delivered under the NAJP will help women and children escape violent situations, help people avoid homelessness, reduce future interactions with the justice system, improve mental health outcomes and work towards Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through self-determined access to justice.
“Thank you to all frontline workers who have been tireless advocates for the sector and for so many people in our community who rely on them,” Mr Mitchell finished.
The Government has committed to providing ongoing funding for legal assistance, beyond the five-year life of the NAJP.
This funding certainty will provide continuity of frontline services to people in our community ensuring they are able to access justice and equality before the law.
