Law reform
We draw on our extensive experience in assisting disadvantaged clients to contribute to law and policy reform. We work closely with our partners to write submissions and policy papers on issues that affect our clients.
Legal Aid NSW Strategic Law Reform Agenda 2018-2020
Legal Aid NSW has a Strategic Law Reform Agenda 2018-2020, which sets out legislative, policy and operational reforms that we will prioritise and proactively pursue over two years. Under this agenda, Legal Aid NSW will undertake strategic projects seeking legislative, policy and/or operational reforms in the following areas:
- The implementation of the NDIS
- The application of domestic violence law and policy to child defendants
- The impact of school disciplinary and exclusionary measures on disadvantaged children
- Services and supports for prisoners
- Bail
- The over-policing of young people and Aboriginal people
- Health services to prisoners
- Eligibility guidelines for the NSW Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme
- Local councils and hardship relief
- Increased youth diversion under the Young Offenders Act 1997
2018 submissions
General
- Inquiry into market readiness for provision of services under the NDIS – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, March 2018
- Review of the Children’s Court Rule 2000 (NSW) – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Children’s Court of NSW, February 2018
Civil
- Review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Communications Alliance, August 2018
- Design and Distribution Obligations and Product Intervention Powers - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Treasury, August 2018
- Compensation and Rehabilitation for Veterans - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Productivity Commission - July 2018
- Consultation on Proposed AFCA Rules - Legal Aid NSW submission to Australian Financial Complaints Authority, June 2018
- Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Round 3 Hearing, June 2018
- Review processes associated with visa cancellations made on criminal grounds - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, May 2018
- Australian Consumer Law Review: Clarification, simplification and modernisation of the consumer guarantee framework - Legal Aid NSW submission to Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand, April 2018
- Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, Round 1 Hearing Consumer Lending – Legal Aid NSW submission, April 2018
- Resident Rights Consultation Process - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Department of Family and Community Services, March 2018
- Review of the Guardianship Act 1987 - Legal Aid NSW submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission Draft Proposals paper, February 2018
- Religious Freedom Review - Legal Aid NSW submission to Expert Panel, February 2018
- Review of early release of superannuation benefits – Legal Aid NSW submission to The Treasury, February 2018
- Review of the General Insurance Code of Practice: Interim Report - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Insurance Council of Australia, January 2018
Criminal
- Review of the prosecution and sentencing of children for terrorism offences – Legal Aid NSW submission to the National Security Legislation Monitor, June 2018
- Protection for certain witnesses giving evidence – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Department of Justice, June 2018
- Statutory review of the Police Body-Worn Video provisions of the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW) – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Department of Justice, June 2018
- Inquiry into Special Care Offences – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice, June 2018
- Inquiry into Parklea Correctional Centre – Legal Aid NSW submission to Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Legal Affairs, February 2018
- Review into the Royal Prerogative of Mercy - Legal Aid NSW submission to the Department of Justice, February 2018
- Inquiry into Youth Diversionary Programs in NSW – Legal Aid NSW submission to the Committee on Law and Safety, January 2018
Family
- Inquiry into Local Adoption – Legal Aid NSW submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, May 2018