I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by Thursday, 21 March 2013:

The impact of recent proposed federal court fee increases on access to justice in Australia, with particular reference to:

a)      The impact of federal court fee increases on low-income and ordinary Australians and operators of small businesses;

b)      Whether recent and proposed fee increases are reasonable, based on evidence and consistent with other justice policy matters;

In the 2012 Supplementary Estimates period, Senator Penny Wright asked the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee questions about the following issues. Click the links below to read the full transcript.

Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Attorney-General's Department

Responding to the findings of the Legal Australia-Wide Survey that was released today, Australian Greens spokesperson for Legal Affairs, Senator Penny Wright, said it is high time for the Government to address the large amount of unmet legal need in our community by providing appropriate funding to legal assistance services throughout Australia.

The Australian Greens have echoed the call of Community Law Australia for a federal review of legal assistance services to ensure funding of all services adequately matches community need.

 Australian Greens spokesperson for Legal Affairs, Senator Penny Wright, who will speak at the National Conference of Community Legal Centres at the Hilton Adelaide this afternoon, said there was clear evidence that the current funding level for Community Legal Centres was not enough to meet demand, despite the strong cost-benefit of funding them.

The Australian Greens today welcomed an announcement by Attorney-General Nicola Roxon that $1.6million would be allocated to legal assistance services around Australia but called for a more substantial investment in the near future.

 "I am heartened by this announcement, and to see Ms Roxon acknowledge the strong cost-benefit of Community Legal Centres," Greens spokesperson for Legal Affairs, Senator Penny Wright, said.

Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs, Senator Penny Wright, today joined community groups in calling on the Government to address the funding crisis and level of unmet need in the community legal sector.

 "New research out today confirms what we have known for a long time: community legal centres are struggling to meet demand, waiting lists are increasing and approximately 14 per cent of people who sought assistance in 2010/11 were turned away," Senator Wright said.

Senator Wright moves:

That the Senate-
(a) notes that:
(i) 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Community Legal Centres, which started with the establishment of the Fitzroy Legal Service in Melbourne, and
(ii) there are over 200 Community Legal Centres currently operating throughout Australia;

The Australian Greens have called on the Government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into legal assistance services to identify and respond to unmet need and gaps in service delivery.

 Australian Greens spokesperson for Legal Affairs, Senator Penny Wright, will move a motion in the Senate today to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Community Legal Centres and highlight the crucial role they play in providing access to justice.

As Law Week 2012 comes to a close today, it gives us reason to reflect on whether our legal system is achieving justice for all. Justice.For All. What does that mean, today, in 21^st century Australia?