Access to legal services for Far West communities heads the agenda for a roundtable discussion today among the local solicitors and leaders of the legal profession in NSW.

President of the Law Society of NSW Brett McGrath says the talks, to be hosted by the Far West Regional Law Society, will explore proposals to improve access to justice for outback communities like Broken Hill.

“With 15 solicitors from six law practices servicing almost 160,000 square kilometres, people living in Far West communities including Broken Hill, endure enormous barriers to justice,” Mr McGrath said.

“Broken Hill itself has just a handful of solicitors in private practice and just one who regularly practices in criminal law. This can leave some accused with no choice but to represent themselves. Access to proper legal advice can mean the difference between incarceration and an accused person keeping their jobs and supporting their families.”

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society will be joined by leaders from Legal Aid NSW and the Aboriginal Legal Service, both of which operate in Broken Hill, along with members of the local profession and the Far West Community Legal Centre, and representatives from the courts.

“Legal practice in rural, regional and remote areas presents remarkable opportunities for legal practitioners eager to expand the variety of matters they work on,” Mr McGrath said.

“Solicitors working in these regions can make a life changing difference to people facing diverse legal challenges from criminal law, family law, tenancy and helping financially vulnerable clients deal with credit and debt issues before they become insurmountable.”

President of the Far West Regional Law Society Steven Wright said the challenge of attracting and retaining legal practitioners in remote regions required innovative thinking on the part of government and communities.

“The Law Council of Australia (LCA) has proposed a novel initiative to persuade solicitors to spend at least two years practising law in remote communities,” Mr Wright said.

“Relief for HELP (also known as HECS) debt is already helping regional communities recruit doctors, nurse practitioners and teachers to where they’re most needed. A similar scheme developed by the LCA late last year could likewise help our communities obtain the access to justice they need.”

Mr Wright echoed the LCA’s view that in addition to HELP relief, governments should invest in the ‘liveability’ of remote communities by improving infrastructure and services like accommodation and childcare, the benefits of which would flow to the whole community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Damien Smith | Director, Media and Public Relations
The Law Society of New South Wales
M: +61 417 788 947 | E: Damien.Smith@lawsociety.com.au