When it next conducts a review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership, the Commonwealth should have regard, in considering funding for legal aid commissions and community legal centres, to the importance of the public interest role played by those services as exemplified in their work during the Scheme.
The Government accepts this recommendation.
Legal assistance plays a vital role in ensuring more equal access to the justice system which is fundamental to our democratic society and the rule of law. Not only does legal assistance facilitate improved outcomes for individuals, it also generates broader benefits to society.
The independent review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020–25 (NLAP) commenced in June 2023.[1] The Terms of Reference for the review are broad, and require the review to evaluate whether the objectives, outcomes and outputs of the NLAP have been achieved.[2]
The Issues Paper published by the independent reviewer states that recommendation 12.4 is within the scope of the Terms of Reference, and will be considered as part of the review.[3] The findings and recommendations of the review will inform future funding arrangements for legal assistance.
Services Australia should put in place processes for genuine and receptive consultation with front-line staff when new programs are being designed and implemented.
The Government accepts this recommendation.
The Government supports undertaking consultation with front-line staff when designing and implementing new programs, noting their expertise in engaging with customers. Services Australia will ensure the experiences of front-line staff are sought and fed into design practice and service delivery policy.
- ↑ Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership (ag.gov.au).
- ↑ The Independent Review of the NLAP (nlapreview.com.au).
- ↑ Issues Paper | NLAP review (nlapreview.com.au).
