Court Network Funding for its Safety Net Service Program

Question

1. With reference to the Court Network Funding for its Safety Net Service Program, what replacement service, if any, has been funded or designed to support vulnerable litigants in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia after 30 June 2026 when the Safety Net Program terminates? 2. If no replacement service has been established, did the Department undertake any assessment, modelling or risk assessment regarding the consequences of allowing the funding to lapse? 3. Has the Department received any advice, briefing or correspondence from Court Network, the Court, or court registry officials regarding the impact of losing Court Network volunteers? 4. Is the Department aware that Court Network has publicly stated that, without these volunteers, people experiencing domestic and family violence may be left to face court alone? 5. Has the Department undertaken any workforce impact assessment regarding additional burdens on registry staff, security personnel or court support services after 30 June 2026? 6. Court Network has publicly stated that some volunteers have supported Family Court users for nearly 20 years and are relied upon by judges and court staff. Has the Department sought advice from the Court or registry officials about the operational impact of losing that support? 7. Was the Department aware, before Court Network's public announcement, that the organisation intended to announce the possible closure of the program during National Volunteer Week? 8. What consideration was given to the message this sends to volunteers supporting vulnerable Australians in Commonwealth justice services? 9. Is the Attorney-General considering any extension or interim funding arrangement to allow the Safety Net Service Program to continue beyond 30 June 2026? 10. If not, what contingency arrangements will exist from 1 July 2026 for vulnerable litigants attending family courts?

Answer

Please see attached answer.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• BE26-175.pdf (opens in a new tab)