U2 AOS2 - Difficulties Faced by People in Regional, Remote and Rural Areas

Question 1

Lack of access to legal services

Answer 1

• 10.5% of practicing solicitors = RRR areas compared to 29% of the Australian population
• Some areas have no lawyers at all
• There’s limited expertise amongst the few lawyers available
• Conflict of interest issues could lead to people being turned away
• Heavy caseloads and delays in courts could lead to financial and emotional toll on people, as well as causing distrust in the legal system

Question 2

Lack of access to technology

Answer 2

• Many people in regional, rural and remote communities have limited or no access to technology, such as poor Internet connection or phone service
• This could lead to them being unable to access information as well as advice online or attend virtual hearings or dispute resolution
• This could lead to them relying on more costly or slow services such as paper mail
• The lack of infrastructure may mean they have to attend in person, which increases costs and delays

Question 3

Lack of access to courts

Answer 3

• Limited physical access to courts, tribunals and dispute resolution centres, as well as community legal centres
• Long distance travel could be required to attend these legal institutions, but this could be difficult if they have limited public transport or no car
• Could increase costs if they must spend money on accommodation or petrol
• Some regional courts are in disrepair or unfit for purpose due to lack of funding, leading to judges being unwilling to adjudicate in these areas

Question 4

Financial disadvantage

Answer 4

• There are high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage in regional, rural and remote areas
• Their ability to pay legal fees may be dependent on the state of the agricultural season

Question 5

Measures taken to address this disadvantage

Answer 5

• Various organisations encourage lawyers and students to work in regional, rural and remote areas, such as secondment programs by big firms
• There has been an increase in the availability of online information, legal advice and dispute resolution methods to limit the need for people to physically attend tribunals or courts, such as VCAT video conferencing
• Some court facilities and offices have been upgraded or improved, such as the new Bendigo Law Courts precinct
• The Magistrates Court has 51 court locations across Victoria, 41 of which are in regional areas