Access to Justice Framework
A Strategic Framework for Access to Justice in the Federal Civil Justice System
In November 2009, PILCH made a submission to the Attorney-General’s Department on the report of the Access to Justice Taskforce on A Strategic Framework for Access to Justice in the Federal Civil Justice System.
Applying a human rights approach to access to justice, the submission proposed recommendations to encourage and ensure equitable access to the legal system. The submission focused on such issues as public interest litigation, legal costs, non-court models of dispute resolution, self-represented litigants and legal assistance in regional, rural and remote areas.
The Attorney-General’s Department is expected to respond to submissions in 2010.
The Senate Inquiry into Access to Justice in Australia
In March 2009, PILCH made a submission to the Australian Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in relation to its inquiry into access to justice in Australia.
PILCH emphasised the significant contribution of pro bono legal services in providing legal advice and representation for those who may not otherwise have access to a lawyer. PILCH highlighted the fact that, whilst pro bono plays an important role in providing legal assistance, it cannot be regarded as a substitute for adequate legal aid and CLC funding. PILCH’s submission addressed a number of barriers to accessing justice, including:
- funding cuts to Legal Aid and community legal centres,
- the difficulties faced by self represented litigants, and
- the barriers to individuals and not-for-profit organisations bringing public interest litigation (such as the risk of adverse cost orders)
The Committee's final report is available here.