Demand for legal help in NSW has reached a record high, with tens of thousands more people seeking assistance from Legal Aid NSW compared to the previous year.
Legal Aid NSW’s annual report, tabled in parliament, shows that a record-high 570,000 services were delivered in 2024–25, the highest number in five years. Legal representation services alone increased 12 per cent, compared to 2022–23.
“The demand for legal aid services in NSW has never been higher" said Legal Aid NSW CEO Monique Hitter.
Ms Hitter said the annual report shows that Legal Aid NSW is responding to the many legal problems that people in NSW are facing.
“This includes supporting domestic violence survivors, tenants facing eviction, families navigating separation and the care and protection system, children and adults charged with a criminal offence and those navigating courts with complex legal matters,” she said.
Family law services have grown by 8 per cent, driven by significant demand in areas such as domestic violence, separation, child custody, care and protection, and child support.
Legal Aid NSW provides critical support to the NSW and Commonwealth court systems by providing advice and representation to people who are dealing with complex and disadvantaged circumstances, Ms Hitter said.
“Legal Aid NSW provides a vital safety net for people in our community with legal problems and offers an array of services that prevent legal problems from arising or escalating,” Ms Hitter said.
CEO Monique Hitter is available for interview.
Contact details:
Media contact | Lauren Watts | 0438 606 092 | [email protected]
