Canberra, Australia – The Albanese Government has tabled the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) report on justice responses to sexual violence and announced a $21.4 million package aimed at strengthening support for victims and survivors. The initiative seeks to address systemic barriers to justice and improve outcomes for those affected by sexual violence.
The ALRC report, titled Safe, Informed, Supported: Reforming Justice Responses to Sexual Violence, highlights the challenges victims face in engaging with the justice system, often leading to re-traumatization and reluctance to report crimes. Data shows that 92% of women who experience sexual assault choose not to report the crime to police, and among those who do, up to 85% of cases do not progress to a charge.
As part of its ongoing efforts to eliminate gendered violence, the Albanese Government has committed to significant reforms, building on existing programs and introducing new measures to provide better support to victims and survivors. The $21.4 million investment will be allocated over three years from 2025-26 to enhance access to justice and improve legal and support services.
Key elements of the funding package include:
$19.6 million to extend and expand trauma-informed sexual assault legal services, currently operating in Victoria, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, to every state and territory. This expansion will include culturally safe Justice System Navigators and trial new non-legal support services recommended by the ALRC.
$0.6 million for academic experts to examine systemic reasons behind the withdrawal of complaints, scope an independent complaints mechanism for reviewing police decisions not to pursue charges, and assess the support provided during police investigations.
$1.2 million over two years to expand the ALRC’s Expert Advisory Group, ensuring victim-survivors contribute to the reform process and implementation of the ALRC report’s recommendations.
Justice System Navigators will play a critical role in guiding victims and survivors through legal processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they receive the necessary support while navigating interactions with police, prosecutors, and the courts.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC MP emphasized the importance of preserving the right to a fair trial while ensuring victims receive justice in a supportive and safe environment. “Seeking justice should not add to the trauma experienced by victims and survivors. They deserve confidence that they will be supported to report these crimes,” he said.
Minister for Women, Senator Katy Gallagher, highlighted the urgent need for these reforms, stating, “Far too many women experience sexual violence, and for many, their experience with the justice system only adds to that trauma. This report from the ALRC is an important step towards breaking that cycle.”
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP, reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, emphasizing that these initiatives align with the Standing Council of Attorneys-General Work Plan to Strengthen Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault 2022-2027.
The government will work closely with states and territories, legal experts, and victim-survivors to implement these reforms, ensuring long-term improvements in justice system responses to sexual violence.
For more information, the full ALRC report is available on the commission’s website.
