27 March 2026
The Hon. Michelle Rowland MP
Attorney-General of Australia
Dear Attorney-General,
Joint legal services response opposing cuts to Family Relationships funding
We write to express our deep concern, and seek an urgent meeting, about reports yesterday
that the government is considering cuts to legal and family relationship services that support
people experiencing domestic and family violence.
We acknowledge the challenging economic environment that the Government is navigating.
However, as you know, domestic and family violence already costs the Australian economy
tens of billions each year. Investment in early intervention and legal support is one of the
most effective ways to reduce long-term demand on health, justice, court and social systems
and to support victim-survivors to rebuild and achieve economic security.
We urge you to rule out cuts that would impact on victim-survivors of family and domestic
violence and undermine the Government’s commitment to women’s safety and equality.
Cuts to funding anywhere in the legal and support ecosystem have ripple effects and risk
weakening the safety net at the very moment it is needed most, particularly for women, and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children.
The proposed cuts would mean fewer people accessing early intervention supports, more
people needing our already-stretched legal services, more people turning up to court
unrepresented and ultimately more women and children remaining in unsafe situations.
These outcomes would be inconsistent with the objectives of the National Access to Justice
Partnership.
We urge you to ensure that the upcoming Budget strengthens, not weakens, the systems
that support women and children escaping abuse and control.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Kerry Staines
CEO – First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence
Nerita Waight
Chair – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
Adrianne Walters
Executive Director – Women’s Legal Services Australia
Arlia Fleming
Chair – Community Legal Services Australia
Yvette D’Ath
Executive Director – National Legal Aid