#1536
14 August 2015
Latest example of legal aid funding crisis should
serve as wake-up call
A Northern Territory man facing serious assault charges has been denied legal assistance by
the local Legal Aid Commission due to “insufficient funds,” in another striking example of
Australia’s deepening legal aid funding crisis.
The man's trial had to be adjourned to enable him to obtain legal representation.
Law Council of Australia President Mr Duncan McConnel said the case was a worrying example
that the knock-on effects from the lack of legal aid funding were serious.
“The impact of deferring this matter is significant,” said Mr McConnel.
“Each of the witnesses, including the complainant who says he was seriously assaulted, now
has to wait until next year before the matter comes to court. These delays are obviously
stressful.
“This case also clearly brings into focus what a false economy it is to cut legal aid funding. The
community now bears the wasted cost of preparation by the prosecutor for trial, because the
matter will have to be prepared again in 2016. Meanwhile, valuable court time is wasted
because it is impossible to list another trial at such short notice.”
Mr McConnel said a fair and efficient justice system demanded well-funded legal aid services.
“If you starve legal aid of funding – as has been the case in Australia since the turn of the
century – then you are preventing proper access to justice, clear and simple. Furthermore, you
are creating inefficiencies and waste as courts are delayed or inconvenienced by people unable
to secure legal representation,” concluded Mr McConnel.
Karuna Gurung, Acting Director of Communications
P. 02 6246 3715 // M. 0439 978 429
E. [email protected] // www.lawcouncil.asn.au