The federal and the NSW government have announced a $5 million package aimed at improving how victim-survivors of sexual violence engage with the justice system, with new support roles, expanded legal assistance and targeted research forming part of the response.
The funding will establish specialist justice system navigators, increase Legal Aid capacity and strengthen workforce capability, with the aim of providing clearer information and consistent support across each stage of the legal process.
The package includes $1.55 million for a pilot program placing specialist sexual violence community justice system navigators in up to five locations across New South Wales. These workers will operate within community-based organisations for two years from June 2026 and will assist victim-survivors in understanding their rights and options.
A further $1.35 million will fund specialist navigators embedded within up to four Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and NSW Police co-location sites. The focus is on strengthening responses in cases where sexual violence intersects with domestic and family violence, particularly during reporting to police.
Legal Aid NSW will receive $1.7 million to expand services, including providing additional specialist advice and offering support to victim-survivors before a criminal complaint is made. Smaller allocations include $220,000 for workforce development and $180,000 to examine restorative justice models in the state.
Federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland said, “The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to remove barriers to justice for victim-survivors of sexual violence.”
“The new and expanded services, including the specialist sexual violence justice system navigators, are a critical part of the Albanese Government’s $21.4 million initial response to the ALRC’s report and will mean victim-survivors can better access information about the legal options available to them.”
She added, “Today’s announcement supports expanded sexual violence legal services pilots in Qld, WA, SA, Tas, ACT and the NT.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said, “Sexual violence remains a serious and deeply concerning issue. That’s why the Albanese Government is taking urgent and sustained action in partnership with state governments to support victim-survivors.”
“Too many victim-survivors do not report sexual violence. Strengthening trauma-informed legal and support services is essential to building a system that’s compassionate, safe and that people trust.”
“To end family, domestic and sexual violence, the Albanese Labor Government is taking a whole of government approach. We’re addressing violence through education, strengthening safeguards in technology and financial systems to prevent exploitation, and ensuring the justice system is accessible, responsive and meets the needs of victim survivors.”
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said, “We know many victim-survivors of sexual violence find it daunting to navigate the criminal justice system. The NSW Government is investing to improve the experience of victim-survivors throughout the court process.”
“We want to empower every victim-survivor to seek justice which is why we are giving NSW Legal Aid additional resources to support people including those who are considering making a criminal complaint. We are also investing in specialist workers to provide crucial support and advice when people do report.”
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government is working to make sure victim-survivors of sexual violence are supported when they decide to report an assault. This includes being provided with clear information and support to navigate what can be a really complex legal system during an incredibly difficult time.”
“The pilot programs will make sure specialist workers are in support services and work alongside Police and legal services so victim-survivors can access practical guidance and advice, understand their options and receive support at every stage of the legal process.”
“By strengthening collaboration across services and expanding specialist legal support, we are taking an important step toward ensuring the justice system responds in a more coordinated, trauma-informed way.”
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said, “Every victim-survivor of sexual violence deserves clear information, trauma informed assistance, and a system that responds with compassion and consistency.”
“This investment will help remove barriers, strengthen pathways to justice, and give victim survivors more confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported at every stage.”
The initiative forms part of a broader $272.7 million commitment by the NSW government over four years to address domestic, family and sexual violence, and aligns with national efforts to improve justice responses to sexual assault.
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