Today, the new $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30 (NAJP) commences, replacing the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-25 and delivering a critical increase of $800 million in funding over 5 years from 2025-26 to the legal assistance sector. This is the largest ever Commonwealth investment in legal assistance.
The increased and ongoing funding will strengthen vital legal assistance and support services and help to deliver better outcomes and improved access to justice for those who need it most.
The landmark agreement will provide culturally safe legal and other frontline support services, including to:
- women and children who are escaping or at risk of family and domestic violence
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support Closing the Gap targets by reducing incarceration, youth detention, out-of-home care and the rate of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children
- people who are unable to afford private legal services including in family, civil, administrative and criminal law.
The NAJP will also drive critical reforms in the legal assistance sector, strengthening data capability and maturity of the sector, creating a stronger and more sustainable workforce and establishing a robust framework to progress actions towards Closing the Gap.
The Albanese Government has committed to providing ongoing funding for legal assistance, beyond the 5-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.
The Government acknowledges the continued efforts of the dedicated staff in the legal assistance sector who deliver critical frontline legal assistance and support services and their invaluable expertise to inform the development of the NAJP.
The Government also thanks all jurisdictions and state and territory Attorneys-General for their ongoing commitment to this agreement that will ensure their communities continue to get the legal support they need.
The NAJP is available on the Federal Financial Relations website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via the 1800RESPECT website , or text 0458 737 732.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Access to justice can make an immense difference to the lives of individuals and communities, ensuring people are treated fairly in the legal system and giving a voice to those who might otherwise not have one.
"The funding delivered under this Agreement is the largest investment from the Commonwealth in legal assistance ever and will ensure that essential frontline services can continue to operate and support the most vulnerable in our community.
"Services delivered under the NAJP will help women and children escape violent situations, work towards Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through self-determined access to justice, help people avoid homelessness, reduce future interactions with the justice system and improve mental health outcomes.
"I thank the many frontline workers who have been tireless advocates for the sector and for the rights of the thousands of Australians who rely on them every year."
