In the vast far west, there are 15 solicitors from six law practices who service almost 160,000 square kilometres. It is food for thought in a round table discussion that takes place today.

President of the Law Society of NSW Brett McGrath says the talks, to be hosted by the Far West Regional Law Society, will explore proposals to improve access to justice for outback communities.

“People living in Far West communities including Bourke and Cobar, endure enormous barriers to justice,” Mr McGrath said.

“With 15 solicitors from six law practices servicing almost 160,000 square kilometres, people living in Far West communities endure enormous barriers to justice."

The far west region extends west from a line that can be drawn through Bourke and Cobar.

Broken Hill, the largest town in the area, has a couple of solicitors but not nearly enough, especially if you need help with criminal law.

“Broken Hill itself has just a handful of solicitors in private practice and just one who regularly practices in criminal law,” Mr McGrath said. “This can leave some accused with no choice but to represent themselves. Access to proper legal advice can mean the difference between incarceration and an accused person keeping their jobs and supporting their families.”

Mr McGrath encouraged lawyers to extend themselves by working in outback areas. 

“Legal practice in rural, regional and remote areas presents remarkable opportunities for legal practitioners eager to expand the variety of matters they work on,” Mr McGrath said. “Solicitors working in these regions can make a life changing difference to people facing diverse legal challenges from criminal law, family law, tenancy and helping financially vulnerable clients deal with credit and debt issues before they become insurmountable.”

But, attracting and retaining legal practitioners in remote areas remains a challenge.

“The Law Council of Australia (LCA) has proposed a novel initiative to persuade solicitors to spend at least two years practising law in remote communities,” President of the Far West Regional Law Society Steven Wright said.

“Relief for HELP (also known as HECS) debt is already helping regional communities recruit doctors, nurse practitioners and teachers to where they’re most needed. A similar scheme developed by the LCA late last year could likewise help our communities obtain the access to justice they need.”

In addition to HELP relief, Mr Wright said governments should invest in the ‘liveability’ of remote communities by improving infrastructure and services like accommodation and childcare, the benefits of which would flow to the whole community.

John Tadros, Principal Solicitor, Far West Community Legal Centre calls the situation “postcode injustice.”

“Unfortunately, your postcode determines so much in New South Wales. In regional, rural and remote areas like ours, many of the legal issues people face stem from inadequate access to services, health, social and economic support,” he said. “Vital supports – like safe houses, free legal assistance, and specialist health care – are limited or stretched to capacity at the best of times, but often don’t exist at all.”