The Law Society Northern Territory (Society) is extremely concerned that Legal Aid NT is again facing a funding deficit, with no new grants or extensions of aid to be granted to a person who is not in custody.

These cuts to aid will have a devastating effect on those charged with criminal offences, unable to afford a lawyer.
In October 2024 the Society called upon both the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments to immediately address the funding shortfalls impacting the basic right to a fair trial.

After some initial improvements, the Society is dismayed that Legal Aid NT is again facing these issues 12 months on, this time set to affect children as young as 10 years old and other vulnerable members of our community.

The Society considers that both Legal Aid NT and NAAJA provide critical services in ensuring access to justice and protection of the rule of law. These organisations must each be supported and adequately funded to perform their respective roles.

Society President Mr Richard Henschke said, “Since this time last year, the Society has been advocating for the Northern Territory’s criminal justice system to be adequately resourced to cope with the consequences of the Government’s ‘tough on crime’ approach. The Society has called for further resourcing of the Courts, Corrections and criminal justice sector in general. We recently supported a national call for an increase in the rates offered to private practitioners offering legal aid services.

The changes in bail laws leading to increased wait times on remand, combined with reports of increasing offences against the person in the Darwin region and long waiting times for committals are issues that could all be exacerbated if the right to a fair trial cannot be secured by access to legal representation. If critical Court dates are further vacated as a result of Legal Aid NT being unable to fund its core services, the Courts and those who work within them, including our members, face an untenable situation despite all of their ongoing commitment and efforts.”

The Society therefore calls upon the Territory and Commonwealth governments to work with Legal Aid NT to ensure it has the necessary funding, resources and support to undertake its critical functions.

END OF RELEASE

Contact person:
Mr Richard Henschke