Integral to our policy and advocacy role is the constructive advice, guidance and direction we provide to government. This page contains the submissions NLA has made to various Commonwealth Government and Parliamentary inquiries.
National Legal Aid is urging the government to include funding for key strategic priorities in the 2026–27 budget to uphold access to justice. These include baseline funding to meet demand in the Federal Circuit and Family Court for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, ongoing support for the NDIS Appeals Program, and preventing the Permanent Protection Visa Program and disaster response legal services from ending due to funding cliffs.
Australia’s youth justice system is in deepening crisis, with escalating criminalisation and detention causing serious and ongoing harm to children, particularly First Nations children. We call on the Commonwealth to urgently lead coordinated, evidence‑based reform by raising the age of criminal responsibility, ending harmful detention practices, ensuring detention is a last resort, and adequately funding legal assistance to protect children’s rights and futures.
NLA’s response brings together the expertise of the eight LACs, including extensive experience providing specialist advice and representation to vulnerable clients experiencing financial hardship as a result of one or multiple Buy Now Pay (BNPL) Later products.
NLA submission letter to the Select Committee on Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities. Our response recommends further investment into First Nations community-controlled organisations, greater accountability for commitments towards a self-determined child protection system, raising the age of criminal responsibility across all jurisdictions, and addressing the driving factors of disadvantage.
NLA supports the 10-year plan to end the mistreatment and abuse of older Australians, and appreciates the opportunity to provide comment on this consultation draft.
NLA supports the development of the regulatory framework as a safeguard against the significant and increasing financial harm that BNPL products are causing consumers.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Stay informed with the latest news, updates, and insights from National Legal Aid.
By clicking subscribe you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
