Joseph Craig
A recent study carried out regarding family law revealed that 79 per cent of its cases revolved around domestic violence. The results were also based on the statistics derived from a national audit. While pointing to the drawbacks that contribute towards various domestic violence issues, the National Legal Aid has called for an urgent improvement in funding. In addition, the Panel managed to produce an advisory report that clearly addressed the cause to increasing incidence of domestic violence.
In order to support the domestic violence victims, the report made 28 recommendations that effectively highlighted the urgent need for sharing information, collaboration and greater integration. This month’s release of COAG Advisory Panel report further elaborated how the 2014-15 client case load was evident that family law matters were increasing.
Suzan Cox QC, who happens to be the National Legal Aid Chair, echoed the statement made by the Panel regarding fighting domestic injustices against children and their mothers. “We need to show concern and support for offended victims in family law cases by availing extra legal assistance to them,” said Ms. Cox while speaking to Aussie Lawyer Blog. She added that the commission has really played a big role in reducing domestic violence cases by gradually providing extra legal assistance over a long period.
Ms. Cox believes that the National Legal Aid has the potential to do more for victims if only there was adequate funding in regards to the recommendations of the COAG Advisory Panel and the Productivity Commission. She put it clear that the federal government set aside $15 million last year, to cater for the needs of domestic violence victims by providing them with adequate legal assistance over three years. In September 2015, an announcement was made confirming that the funding from the federal government also covered part of the Commonwealth Women’s Safety Package.
The Productivity Commission recommended an urgent funding of $120 million for legal assistance to domestic violence victims. Hence, Ms. Cox says that the commission has welcomed the funding although it is way much below the targeted sum. She suggested that territories and states could help in meeting the set target by increasing their funding by $80 million per year, as recommended by the Productivity Commission.
The National Legal Aid is there to provide effective legal assistance and support to children and women through its gradual milestones from child protection matters, family courts and intervention orders. “We should not shy away from these domestic violence recommendations and figures from the Productivity Commission because it will make the future bleak for many low-income families,” Ms. Cox said.
