‘It’s The Law’ – Additional access to justice on hand

Unfortunately, the justice system does not always work well for everyone. 

A key issue in Australia is that often people decide not to take legal action to protect their rights due to the costs involved with taking any action. 

This issue can sometimes be known as an access to justice problem. 

Access to justice can include getting the right information about the law and how it applies to you; understanding when you have a legal problem and knowing what to do about it; getting the right help with a legal problem, including from a lawyer; being able to deal with your legal problem and being able to understand the outcome; and making sure your voice is heard when laws are made.

According to the Law Council, more than 13 percent of Australians live under the poverty line, while legal aid is available to just eight percent. 

Accordingly, some Australians in poverty are refused access to free legal help. 

For this reason, additional government funding for not-for-profit legal services is required.

While there are significant problems with access to justice, it is important to highlight the free services that are available. 

Most Wimmera residents are familiar with the work Victoria Legal Aid does in assisting residents of limited means in relation to criminal law matters – Victoria Legal Aid is based at 29 Darlot Street in Horsham – however there is less knowledge of Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services, who can assist with a range of matters.

If you have a legal problem and are unable to pay your legal fees, Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services might be able to assist. Matters might include family violence, family law, elder abuse, infringements or fines, credit and debt matters, powers of attorney, motor vehicle accidents, neighbourhood disputes, personal safety intervention orders, victims of crime, summary crime matters, consumer complaints, Centrelink matters, employment issues, tenancy or police matters. 

Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services is a not-for-profit legal service funded by federal and state governments and Victoria Legal Aid, which provides free legal advice, information and community legal education to people who live, work or study in the Central Highlands and Wimmera regions.

Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services received additional State Government funding to provide face-to-face services in Horsham. Appointments are available via Horsham Neighbourhood House at 13-15 Robin Street.

For more information on Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services or to make a booking with a solicitor, people can call
5331 5999 or free call 1800 466 488.

Patrick Smith is the principal of O’Brien and Smith Lawyers. This article is intended to be used as a guide only. It is not, and is not intended to be, advice on any specific matter. Neither Patrick nor O’Brien and Smith Lawyers accept responsibility for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of this article. Before acting on the basis of any material in this article, we recommend that you consult your lawyer.