Legal profession leaders from almost every region in NSW are gathering in Orange over the next two days to discuss improvements needed to strengthen access to justice in the state.
President of the Law Society of NSW Ronan MacSweeney says the gathering, taking place in the advent of next Tuesday’s state 2026-27 Budget, provides a timely opportunity to focus attention on the need for improved regional court facilities and sustainable arrangements for legal assistance for vulnerable people.
“Improved access to justice is so important that I’ve identified it as one of my President’s Priorities for my term leading the Law Society in 2026. 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; to the lack of adequate ventilation, heating and cooling, which can lead to court closures and months’ long adjournments.”
Mr MacSweeney said many Regional Presidents also identified the lack of adequate Audio-Visual Link (AVL) technology, especially in smaller courts, impacting on the ability of families in those locations to support relatives appearing in court.
In the wake of last month’s federal budget, Mr MacSweeney said the meetings will also discuss the need for sustainable arrangements for the legal assistance sector in NSW.
“Private solicitors deliver almost three quarters of all legally aided representation in NSW. 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,” Mr MacSweeney said.
“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 closed would represent a huge loss to a community. This is crucial work that helps ensure that the rule of law applies to everyone, no matter where they live.”
Mr MacSweeney welcomed the presence in Orange of the President of the Law Council of Australia Tania Wolff. Ms Wolff said that the strains on the justice system are being felt nationwide.
“I congratulate the Law Society of NSW and its Regional Presidents for their continued strong advocacy. A justice system that only works for people who can afford it isn’t a justice system. That’s as true in Broken Hill as it is in Ballarat or anywhere in the country,” Ms Wolff said.
“Better legal assistance funding leads to a more efficient court system with fewer delays, reduces the risk of miscarriages of justice, and leads to a more just society.”
The meeting in Orange coincides with the launch of a social media campaign featuring a number of Regional Law Society Presidents to raise awareness about the importance of a well-functioning justice system.
