IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE
17 May 2010
Attorney General, Robert McClelland, today outlined a package of measures to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the justice system.
“Access to justice is not just about access to a court or a lawyer, it is about providing practical, affordable and easily understood information and options to help people to prevent or resolve their disputes,” Mr McClelland said.
Speaking at the commencement of National Law Week, Mr McClelland said the Government was implementing a range of measures consistent with its Strategic Framework for Access to Justice, which is underpinned by five key principles of accessibility, appropriateness, equity, efficiency and effectiveness.
The Government’s Access to Justice measures include:
- launching an Access to Justice website, located at www.accesstojustice.gov.au, to provide seamless access to local information about legal assistance and related services;
- increased funding of $154 million over four years for legal assistance services, taking the total Commonwealth contribution to over $1.2 billion;
- introducing a new law, the Civil Dispute Resolution Bill, requiring people to take genuine steps to resolve their disputes before going to court;
- developing an action plan to ensure Commonwealth laws are clearer and easier to understand;
- establishing a national advisory body to develop national responses to critical challenges in the legal assistance sector;
- extending the requirement to attend family dispute resolution to property and spousal maintenance matters;
- examining options to improve the discovery process in civil litigation through a review by the Australian Law Reform Commission;
- developing improved administrative law guidelines for Commonwealth officials; and
- investing $1.6 million to attract and support lawyers working in rural, regional and remote areas.
“These measures are designed to encourage better information, early intervention, and improved avenues to resolve disputes without the need for litigation.”
Appropriate access to justice is central to the rule of law and integral to achieving greater social inclusion. It is also a critical element of a well-functioning democracy.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
