Legal Aid NSW has joined with Victoria’s Legal Aid agency to publish a cross-border report to improve access to legal assistance along the NSW/Victorian border.
The Cross-border justice report outlines how each Agency will improve access to legal assistance to communities living along the border.
According to the report, many border communities experience complex and unique challenges in accessing justice and have a proportionally higher demand for legal services than other parts of NSW and Victoria.
Chief Executive of Legal Aid NSW, Brendan Thomas said the report was about ensuring that communities on both sides of the border receive the legal assistance they need.
“We are keen to work with Victoria Legal Aid, as well as our colleagues in the private profession, who have unique challenges as they represent clients from both sides of the border,” Mr Thomas said.
“These measures are designed to tackle the confusion that sometimes exists when navigating two different legal jurisdictions.”
The report makes 14 recommendations to address the border issues and create opportunities for both legal aid commissions to improve practices and work together more deliberately.
The report was developed following extensive consultation with legal aid staff, private practitioners, Aboriginal community legal services, community legal centres and other social and justice staff along the border.
The 24-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
