The ACT Government is investing over $15 million in practical, targeted justice initiatives to ensure vulnerable Canberrans can continue to access the legal services they need, when they need them.
The 2025–26 ACT Budget is supporting key legal assistance services, justice reform initiatives, and the growing need for responsive support for victims of crime, people on low income, women, First Nations peoples and culturally diverse communities.
Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said the Budget would strengthen frontline legal services and improve outcomes for people facing disadvantage, hardship or discrimination.
"We know that early access to the right legal advice can make a huge difference, especially for those facing complex barriers to justice," Minister Cheyne said.
"This Budget delivers for the community. It supports culturally safe, accessible legal help, expands frontline capacity in our courts, and continues critical programs that put the needs of vulnerable people at the centre of the justice system."
Key measures in the 2025–26 ACT Budget include:
- Appointment of a tenth Magistrate to the ACT Magistrates Court, to improve processing times and address growing demand in civil and criminal matters.
- Additional funding for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' Witness Assistance Scheme and to meet the increased demands of an expanded judiciary.
- Funding for legal assistance providers, including the Women's Legal Centre, Canberra Community Law, the Aboriginal Legal Service, and CARE Financial Counselling.
- Investment in the ACT Human Rights Commission, to continue the Intermediary Program, which provides targeted services for vulnerable complainants, witnesses and accused persons in the criminal justice system.
- Funding will also support Legal Aid ACT's services across a number of programs, including legal aid assistance grants, ensuring coordinated support across the legal system.
- Additional funding for the Victims Services Scheme and Financial Assistance Scheme administered by Victims Services ACT, to respond to growing demand and provide financial assistance and support for victims of crime.
- Implementation of a sexual assault advocate pilot program to support victims' access to specialist services and conducting of investigations in a more victim-centric and trauma-informed way.
- Support for the ACT Government Solicitor's Office to meet increased demand for legal advice under the Human Rights Act 2004, and to establish a new regulatory prosecution function that will strengthen enforcement and compliance across government.
- Funding to enhance the Coroner's Court with increased resourcing to manage caseloads and support efficient and sensitive handling of matters that often involve vulnerable individuals and families.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the Government was investing in long-term justice capability while continuing to target the areas of greatest community need.
"The ACT has a proud record of social justice and legal inclusion. These investments ensure justice is not just a principle, but a lived reality for people who need support the most," Minister Steel said.
"We're taking a whole-of-system view, supporting frontline organisations, reforming service delivery, and improving our ability to respond to challenges through programs like the Intermediary Service and increased court capacity."
This package builds on the ACT Government's commitment to a fair, inclusive and accessible justice system, especially for people who experience disadvantage or barriers in engaging with legal processes.
"By building legal capability and ensuring services are culturally safe and responsive, we're not only supporting individuals, we're reducing the long-term burden on the justice system as a whole," Minister Cheyne said.
