The Attorney General has launched an Action Plan that sets out how the State will support the legal assistance sector to improve access to justice services for vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Published today, the Legal Assistance Action Plan forms part of the requirements of the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) agreement between the Commonwealth, States and Territories.
WA's legal assistance sector includes the Aboriginal Legal Service, Community Legal Centres, Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, Legal Aid WA, Law Access and other stakeholders.
Consultation between the legal assistance sector, key stakeholders and the Department of Justice (Department) had aided the development of the Action Plan.
Funding will help build the sector's capacity to deliver integrated, culturally safe and trauma-informed legal assistance services to vulnerable people regardless of where they live in WA.
One of the main pillars of the Action Plan involves the Department working with the sector to attract and retain staff with the appropriate skill sets.
The provision of sector wide minimum level and standard of service across the State will also ensure equitable access to the legal assistance for people in regional and remote areas.
The Action Plan is now available at https://justice.wa.gov.au/legalassistance
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"I welcome the Action Plan which details how we will support the provision of culturally safe and timely legal assistance services for people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.
"While it has been developed in accordance with the National Legal Assistance Partnership, the Department's Action Plan seeks to go beyond the minimum requirements.
"The Department will continue its work with the legal assistance sector, building its capacity to respond to the legal needs of WA's diverse and geographically vast community.
"The Action Plan puts the WA Government and legal assistance sector in lockstep to facilitate access to high quality services."
As stated by Commonwealth Attorney General Mark Dreyfus:
"The legal assistance sector plays a vital role in helping those in greatest need.
"The Commonwealth Government is committed to supporting the legal assistance sector to deliver access to justice to Australians most in need."
