Scales of justice may not tip in favour of regional NSW
People in smaller regional communities may not get the legal support they need because some country court houses are in a state of disrepair, it has been claimed.
NSW lawyers fear more vulnerable people will “fall through the cracks” without improvements to regional legal services.
Major concerns include the state of country courthouses, outdated technology, and access to legal aid.
The issues were to be raised at a meeting of NSW law leaders in Orange on June 18-19.
President of the Law Society of NSW Ronan MacSweeney said the June 23 NSW Budget provided a “timely opportunity” for discussion.
“Regional Law Society Presidents have told me that the physical and digital infrastructure in many regional courts is impeding the efficiency of our justice system,” Mr MacSweeney said.
“The problems are especially acute away from the larger regional courts.
“They range from no public waiting areas; insufficient safe rooms and separate entrances for victims of domestic violence; inadequate spaces for solicitors to conference with clients.”
Even problems with ventilation, heating, and cooling could lead to court closures and long adjournments.
Regional Presidents had also identified the lack of adequate Audio-Visual Link (AVL) technology, especially in smaller courts.
Mr MacSweeney said the meetings will also discuss the need for sustainable arrangements for legal assistance in NSW.
“Private solicitors deliver almost three-quarters of all legally aided representation in NSW,” he said.
“However, a 2024 census of private solicitors found that a significant number who are currently providing this legal assistance say they would soon no longer be able to do so.
“Without proper access to justice, vulnerable people, including children, who can’t afford to pay for legal help, will fall through the cracks.
“That outcome would be felt most acutely in regional NSW where the viability of some practices is under threat.”
Any practice that closes would represent a huge loss to a community, Mr MacSweeney added.
“This is crucial work that helps ensure that the rule of law applies to everyone, no matter where they live.”
