The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing $5 million to strengthen justice responses for victim-survivors of sexual violence, supporting them to understand the justice system and access specialist legal support.
The investment establishes specialist sexual violence justice system navigators, expands legal assistance services and strengthens workforce capability to ensure victim-survivors receive clear information, practical support and trauma-informed assistance.
The Strengthening Sexual Violence Justice Responses package includes:
- $1.55 million for the Sexual Violence Community Justice System Navigators Pilot in up to five locations across New South Wales. Specialist sexual violence workers will be located in community-based organisations for two years from June 2026. They will support victim-survivors through the complex justice system and provide critical information about their rights and options at all stages of the process.
- $1.35 million for specialist sexual violence navigators to be embedded in up to four Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) and NSW Police co-location program sites to strengthen responses for victim-survivors of sexual violence, particularly in domestic and family violence contexts and when reporting to police.
- $1.7 million to expand Legal Aid NSW's capacity to better meet the demand and the complex needs of sexual violence victim-survivors. This includes providing victim-survivors with additional specialist legal advice and expanding support to victim-survivors prior to them making a criminal complaint.
- $220,000 toward workforce development to make sure appropriate supports are provided for the new and existing navigator workforce to ensure sustainable impact and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
- $180,000 to research feasible models of restorative justice in New South Wales and build awareness of existing services.
The package aims to empower victim-survivors to make informed choices, enhance access to justice with continuous support throughout the criminal justice process, and build the capacity of the existing service system to better meet the needs of victim-survivors. It has been informed by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) research into sexual violence complainants' experiences and attrition of sexual assaults from the justice system.
It is funded through the Federation Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth Government and informed by the Australian Law Reform Commission's 2025 report Safe, Informed, Supported: Reforming Justice Responses to Sexual Violence.
The funding is part of the NSW Government's wider investment to address domestic, family and sexual violence, including an additional $272.7 million over four years in our 2025/26 budget.
These initiatives support the NSW Government's commitment under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027 and national commitments under the Standing Council of Attorneys-General Work Plan to Strengthen Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault 2022-2027 to enhance survivor-centred, trauma-informed justice responses.
To participate in the tender for the $1.55 million for the Sexual Violence Community Justice System Navigators Pilot, prepare by registering on Procurement Central. For guidance on how to register, refer to the online user guide.
Federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland said:
"The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to remove barriers to justice for victim-survivors of sexual violence.
"The new and expanded services, including the specialist sexual violence justice system navigators, are a critical part of the Albanese Government's $21.4 million initial response to the ALRC's report and will mean victim-survivors can better access information about the legal options available to them.
"Today's announcement supports expanded sexual violence legal services pilots in Qld, WA, SA, Tas, ACT and the NT."
Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said:
"Sexual violence remains a serious and deeply concerning issue. That's why the Albanese Government is taking urgent and sustained action in partnership with state governments to support victim-survivors.
"Too many victim-survivors do not report sexual violence. Strengthening trauma-informed legal and support services is essential to building a system that's compassionate, safe and that people trust.
"To end family, domestic and sexual violence, the Albanese Labor Government is taking a whole of government approach. We're addressing violence through education, strengthening safeguards in technology and financial systems to prevent exploitation, and ensuring the justice system is accessible, responsive and meets the needs of victim survivors."
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"We know many victim-survivors of sexual violence find it daunting to navigate the criminal justice system. The NSW Government is investing to improve the experience of victim-survivors throughout the court process.
"We want to empower every victim-survivor to seek justice which is why we are giving NSW Legal Aid additional resources to support people including those who are considering making a criminal complaint. We are also investing in specialist workers to provide crucial support and advice when people do report."
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The NSW Government is working to make sure victim-survivors of sexual violence are supported when they decide to report an assault. This includes being provided with clear information and support to navigate what can be a really complex legal system during an incredibly difficult time.
"The pilot programs will make sure specialist workers are in support services and work alongside Police and legal services so victim-survivors can access practical guidance and advice, understand their options and receive support at every stage of the legal process.
"By strengthening collaboration across services and expanding specialist legal support, we are taking an important step toward ensuring the justice system responds in a more coordinated, trauma-informed way."
NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said:
"Every victim-survivor of sexual violence deserves clear information, trauma informed assistance, and a system that responds with compassion and consistency.
"This investment will help remove barriers, strengthen pathways to justice, and give victim survivors more confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported at every stage."
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
For information on Men's Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
