Skip to main content

Legal system

Here you will find information on Australia's legal system and access to justice. Find out about legal aid and other assistance programs, contract and administrative law, native title, dispute resolution and the courts.
Community legal services

In this section...

Legal assistance programsWe administer the funding for the provision of legal aid services for Commonwealth law matters through legal aid commissions.
Alternative dispute resolutionWe provide advice on alternative dispute resolution issues and policy to Australian Government agencies.
The courts​We advise the government about federal court jurisdictions and related legislation matters. We provide advice on the role, structure and administration of the federal courts including operations and resources.
Court appointments​The Attorney-General is responsible for recommending judicial appointments to the government.
Indigenous law and justice​We provide advice, fund and deliver law and justice programs that benefit Indigenous Australians.
Administrative law​The Attorney-General is responsible for administrative law policy and oversees the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and legislative instruments.
Contract law​We are responsible for the review of contract law and play a key role in microeconomic reform initiatives in the law and justice sector.
Developing clearer Commonwealth lawsRead about the principles for developing clearer laws and access our quick reference guide for tips in developing legislation, regulations and other legislative instruments.