Essential legal assistance funding was missing from a federal budget that did deliver welcome funding for key Government initiatives including the revised administrative review body, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and a new Aged Care Act.
"We are disappointed that the budget has failed to provide adequate funding for legal assistance services such as community legal centres," said Ms Genevieve Henderson, National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA). "In the current economic environment, it is especially important that everyone can access legal advice when they need it.
"Disadvantaged people in the community need access to timely legal advice to help resolve their legal problems and, without the funding this sector needs, too many people will be unable to exercise their rights under the law.
"We know that without sufficient funding many of these services, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS), have to turn people away. Practical resourcing on the ground is essential to meet the Government's overall aspirations around achieving equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"At the same time, we are pleased to see the Federal Government has invested significantly in the Voice referendum including important mental health supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the referendum. We also welcome the commitment to safety programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women."
The ALA welcomes further investment in the NDIS with an additional $732.9 million to be invested in initiatives developed with the National Disability Insurance Agency in consultation with the NDIS Review Co-Chairs.
"We encourage the Government to consult broadly with organisations that have appropriate medico-legal and disability care experience when developing NDIS systems for supporting participants," said Ms Henderson.
"We also note that by mid-2026, the Government aims to limit the growth of the NDIS to no more than 8 per cent a year. The sustainability of the scheme is imperative but that must not come at the expense of NDIS participant care and supports; nor should it come at the expense of resourcing the NDIA including appropriate and proper staff training."
The ALA also welcomes more funding for veterans' services, including $64.1m over the coming financial year for additional resourcing to tackle the backlog of claims for compensation and support.
"We also look forward to consulting with Government on the development of a new Aged Care Act and we are pleased to see a financial commitment made to support a new, stronger Aged Care Regulatory Framework," said Ms Henderson.
"We welcome the budget allowed to improve the accountability and transparency of approved aged care providers through enhancements to the Star Rating system. This is an important initiatives for improving accountability in the sector."
