South West Sydney Justice Precinct Campaign receives a much-needed boost

For some time now, the Law Society, along with the Macarthur and Liverpool-Fairfield Regional Law Societies, has been part of a community backed campaign advocating for a new multi-purpose justice precinct in Sydney’s south west.

Our South West Sydney Justice Precinct Campaign received a much-needed boost last week with news that the Federal Government, NSW Government and Campbelltown City Council have pledged $1 million to create a business case investigating the potential development of a Community and Justice precinct in Campbelltown.  The proposed Community & Justice precinct would house NSW and Federal Courts and as well as co-located community services.

The strategic business case will examine how Campbelltown could benefit from a new economic base focused on justice and community service professions. It follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed by Campbelltown City Council and the NSW Government to examine the possibilities of a Justice Precinct and will provide decision makers with an early indication of the best options for any future investment.

Given that Sydney’s south west is now one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, the Society is pleased that all levels of government have taken this first important step by funding the business case for a multi-purpose justice precinct.

On another note, the Society also welcomes the announced allocation of $5.43 million in Commonwealth funding for the state’s community legal centres. NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman SC MP has confirmed that 80 per cent of this funding will support legal support services for people facing domestic and family violence. The funding will also benefit a range of specialist centres providing targeted support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, seniors, people with disabilities, young people and migrants and refugees, and generalist centres around NSW.

Richard Harvey, President, Law Society of NSW

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