Currently around 250,000 people pass through the Family Court nationally each year, making it the busiest court in the country. Worsening unemployment, economic insecurity and poverty have taken a terrible toll on working class families, creating a rising level of break-ups. Yet both Labor and Liberal governments have continued to cut funding. Another study found that only 18 percent of Australians are eligible for legal aid, compared to 48 percent of Britons and 90 percent of Swedes. The Howard government's cuts mean that the federal government, which previously funded about 55 percent of the legal aid budget, now only funds matters pertaining to federal law.
Most criminal cases come under state laws.
Not only are family break-ups and custody conflicts heard without proper advice and representation, but so are many criminal cases. Many studies have shown that defendants without representation fare worse in criminal cases. In some instances, the alleged victims suffer as well, having to be cross-examined directly by defendants, even in rape and child sexual assault cases. Immigrants and refugees challenging deportation orders have also been among the worst affected. Often with no knowledge of English, they are forced to defend themselves under conditions where funding for interpreters has also been cut.