Two additional lawyers will be employed out of Dubbo as part of an expansion of Legal Aid NSW services in the state’s west.
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Permanent satellite offices in Bourke and Walgett are set to open and two Aboriginal-identified community liaison offices have been recruited.
Added ongoing services in civil and family law are also planned.
NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the boost would enhance access to justice for disadvantaged people in the Orana and north-west of NSW.
These new services will ensure more disadvantaged people, including victims of domestic violence, are able to access legal representation.
- NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman
“In the face of increasing demand, the government’s own investment in Legal Aid has increased by 63 per cent since coming to government in 2011,” he said.
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“These new services will ensure more disadvantaged people, including victims of domestic violence, are able to access legal representation.”
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries said the regions to be serviced would include Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan, Walgett, Warren and surrounding communities.
“This is a great win for communities in our electorate,” Mr Humphries said.
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Legal Aid NSW will receive $289.4 million this financial year, an increase of $28.2 million, or 10.8 per cent, on the previous financial year.
Of that total, the NSW Government is providing $174.5 million – an increase of 15.9 per cent on the previous financial year.
Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said the expansion into the north-west comes after extensive consultation with local communities.
“The satellite offices complement legal services being provided by the Aboriginal Legal Service, the Western NSW Community Legal Centre and Thiyama-li Family Violence Prevention Legal Service,” Mr Thomas said.
“We are planning to deliver ongoing services in criminal, civil and family law in the region.”
Legal Aid NSW is the largest legal aid agency in Australia, including 24 locations and more than 200 regular outreach locations.
