The United Nations Human Rights Committee has just reviewed Australia and has noted, "with concern the lack of adequate access to justice for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, including indigenous peoples and aliens."

What are the barriers facing Australians trying to access the justice system? Is legal aid adequate? Are our community legal centres able to help the people who need it? Are there alternatives and reforms within the justice system that should be pursued?

The Senate's Inquiry into Access to Justice is exploring all of these issues and is accepting submissions until Thursday 30 April 2009.

Click here for more information.

The terms of reference for the new inquiry into access to justice:
a. the ability of people to access legal representation;
b. the adequacy of legal aid;
c. the cost of delivering justice;
d. measures to reduce the length and complexity of litigation and improve efficiency;
e. alternative means of delivering justice;
f. the adequacy of funding and resource arrangements for community legal centres; and
g. the ability of Indigenous people to access justice.