Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

(1) That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Attorney-General statements which detail the expenditure by the Commonwealth on:

(a) funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services by state and territory, including funding allocations made by states and territories; and

(b) funding for National Family Violence Prevention Legal Service providers including funding allocations made by states and territories.

(2) That the statements are due not later than the tenth day after the end of the preceding three month period commencing 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October.

(3) That each statement is to include:

(a) details of how this expenditure addresses any funding shortfalls predicted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and National Family Violence Prevention Legal Service providers, by state and territory; and

(b) an explanation of the purpose of the expenditure and the outcomes it is expected to deliver.

(4) That this order is of continuing effect.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to 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.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Thorpe be agreed to.