We are strongly supportive of changes that expand the legal aid system and ensure more people can access justice. However, while we understand the need to focus on financial sustainability for the scheme to continue in its current form, we are concerned that given the current fiscal environment, cost-saving may be prioritised over access to justice.

In our services, we see people who struggle to access justice, particularly in our family violence economic harm service. Any changes to the system should be focused on reducing process inefficiencies and incentivising more lawyers to be part of the legal aid system, not adding additional financial burdens on users of legal aid.

Limiting the availability of legal aid will seriously impact those already at the margins, and women and children experiencing violence.