The Law Society is calling for urgent reform and investment in Civil Legal Aid, warning that rising demand, lengthy waiting times and declining solicitor participation are placing access to justice under increasing pressure.
Demand for Civil Legal Aid has doubled over the past four years, while the number of solicitors on the District Court Family Law Panel has fallen by 60%, from 953 in 2016 to 375 in 2026. Waiting times for a first consultation have also increased significantly across the country.
Key recommendations include increased funding for the Legal Aid Board, a review of Civil Legal Aid eligibility thresholds and wider measures to improve access to legal services. Without urgent action, people facing family breakdown, domestic violence, child custody and maintenance disputes will continue to experience significant delays in accessing legal assistance.
The Pre-Budget submission also includes recommendations on family justice, court modernisation, criminal legal aid, conveyancing reform, enduring powers of attorney, and measures to support legal education and access to the profession.
