Overview

For over 27 years, PIAC has worked to ensure that people and communities who are marginalised or suffer disadvantage can secure justice. Access to justice is central to PIAC’s aim of helping to create a fair, just and democratic society.

In improving access to justice, PIAC works to:

  • develop and pilot models for addressing unmet legal need
  • explore and promote innovative ways of funding and progressing the public interest
  • identify, challenge and prevent systemic barriers to justice
  • promote the development and funding of community legal centres and legal aid provision in Australia
  • engage the private legal profession in pro bono and public interest work.

PIAC’s record

  • Mental Health Legal Service Project: Four pilot models and two training courses for improving the delivery of legal services to people with mental illness.
  • Street Care: The first advocacy and advisory group of homeless and formerly homeless consumers, established to advise the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service.
  • Reform of the on-the-spot fine system in NSW with the introduction of Work and Development Orders
  • Free legal clinics through the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service
  • Outreach services to homeless people in regional NSW
  • Solicitor Advocate for homeless defendants
  • Plain English guide to the Australian Legal System
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