The NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith, has confirmed his intention to review the delivery of legal assistance services in NSW.
Speaking at a Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) function on 20 September, the Attorney General (pictured) said the review would consider evidence of unmet legal need in
the community, particularly in rural and regional areas and for vulnerable or
disadvantaged groups.
He said the review would also consider whether current legal services are meeting community
needs.
‘While
the review will look broadly at the role of government, community and pro bono
services in providing legal assistance to the community, it will focus in
particular on the delivery of assistance by Court Services, Legal Aid NSW and
LawAccess NSW.
‘I
am particularly interested in cooperation, coordination and partnerships across
the legal assistance sector and how, in a constrained financial environment, we
can address gaps and improve access to legal assistance.’
An edited video clip of the Attorney General’s speech is available on the PIAC YouTube channel.
Photo: Scott Parker/PIAC.