Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. The Prime Minister's significant announcement following National Cabinet in September demonstrates our government's commitment to access to justice. First ministers have signed a heads of agreement for a new National Access to Justice Partnership. This partnership will commence on 1 July 2025 and will deliver vital supports to all parts of the legal assistance sector, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services and family violence prevention legal services. The new $3.9 billion agreement is due to be finalised by the end of this month. It's the biggest Commonwealth commitment to legal assistance ever. The allocation of this new money will be finalised through the Standing Council of Attorneys-General very shortly. All of the information Senator Thorpe seeks through this motion can be accessed through Senate estimates, which renders this motion unnecessary.