Queensland Law Society welcomes legal services and court funding commitments announced in the Queensland 2025-26 State Budget yesterday.
QLS President Genevieve Dee said the Society was pleased to see the government respond to long-standing calls for greater investment in legal services, court infrastructure, and support for vulnerable Queenslanders.
“This Budget reflects a genuine commitment to improving delivery of justice across the state,” Ms Dee said.
“The government has addressed several key issues we raised in our Call to Parties document ahead of the 2024 election. From upgraded court infrastructure to increased legal assistance and better support for victims and young people, this is a budget that shows the legal profession’s voice is being heard.”
Key investment in the legal services sector includes:
- $74.8 million investment in Queensland’s court infrastructure, including upgrading security infrastructure, building new courthouses and courtroom expansion works
- $112.9 million Increased funding over four years to the legal assistance sector to support vulnerable Queenslanders including victims of domestic and family violence allowing Queensland to unlock a further $828 million in federal funding as part of the National Access to Justice Partnership
- $770.9 million funding for youth justice and support initiatives, which includes additional Court Liaison Services and investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs.
- $379 million for commitments to domestic and family violence services
- Increased funding of $4.3 million over four years and $1.1 million ongoing funding for the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management to deliver information, education and dispute resolutions services
- Financial support for key government agencies in the legal system, including the Office of the Public Guardian, Legal Services Commission, Queensland Public Trustee, Forensic Science Queensland, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
“This funding marks a strong step toward equitable access to justice for all Queenslanders,” Ms Dee said. “It demonstrates recognition of the challenges in our legal system—and a willingness to address them.”
Queensland Law Society will continue to work with government and stakeholders to ensure these initiatives are effectively implemented to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.