This article briefly outlines the changes in the justice system following the announcement of NSW budget for 2022-23.
NSW has announced that it will add $2 billion into its justice system. With this addition, NSW hopes to make access to justice easier, and to strengthen current facilities and avenues.
Moreover, the investment will help modernise the justice system and increase access to justice in NSW. The new investments also aim to support necessary legal reforms. These reforms will aid citizens of the state.
Notably, as part of the NSW budget 2022-23, the Government will direct $3.4 million towards funding court-appointed questioners in domestic violence cases. This will help prevent domestic and family violence complainants from being questioned and cross-examined by self-represented defendants.
When self-represented defendants cross-examine the complainants, the complainant generally feel uncomfortable and are made to relive the trauma. On the other hand, court-appointed questioners will ease the process for the complainant by enabling them to answer more freely and comfortably.
Read below to find out key investments that form a part of NSW budget 2022-23.
What Are Key Justice Investments In NSW Budget 2022-23?
Given below is a list of key investments in the NSW justice system following the NSW budget 2022-23 announcement.
- $10 million over four years to trial bail advocacy and support services for First Nations young people and women in Newcastle and Sydney
- $481.1 million for Legal Aid NSW to provide legal services to people experiencing disadvantage in 2022-23, including support to continue the Community Legal Centres program
- Additionally, $13.8 million for three acting District Court judges to address the backlog of matters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- $18 million to expand and upgrade audio visual facilities in courts and tribunals, including for domestic violence complainants and witnesses
- $13.4 million over four years to expand the SCCLS, with NSW Health, for people with mental health conditions
- $6.0 million in recurrent expenditure over four years and $2 million in capital expenditure in 2022-23 only on court-appointed questioners to ensure domestic violence complaints are not directly questioned by self-represented defendants
- $7.3 million over four years to support equal and genuine partnerships with First Nations communities as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improve justice outcomes, and family and community safety
- Moreover, $5.5 million over four years to provide six full-time commissioners at the Industrial Relations Commission, including support staff and infrastructure
- $6.0 million in recurrent expenditure over four years and $2 million in capital expenditure in 2022-23 only on court-appointed questioners to ensure domestic violence complaints are not directly questioned by self-represented defendants
- Lastly, $0.7 million over two years to support the Government’s legislative commitment to outlaw coercive control in current and former intimate partner relationships
What Are The Proposed Stamp Duty Reforms About?
Firstly, what is stamp duty? Stamp duty is a tax that governments place on single property purchases, or legal documents. Stamp duty tax is relevant in the transfer of assets or property.
Generally, the stamp duty will be around 3-4% of the property’s value. Purchasers pay the stamp duty at the time of purchase.
In NSW budget 2022-23, the state is getting rid of this stamp duty for first homebuyers. Importantly, an “annual property tax” will replace this upfront cost.
However, buyers will have the option to choose between paying the upfront stamp duty or the annual property tax. First homebuyers who opt into paying annual property tax will need to pay $400 plus 0.3 per cent of the land value of property.
The property tax option will be available for homes of up to 1.5m dollars in value. This property tax legislation will need to pass in the Parliament. The Government will introduce this in the second half of 2022.
Notably, the property tax option is available only for first home buyers. Stamp duty will continue as normal for all other cases.
Get In Touch With Conveyancers Or Family Lawyers
Following the announcement of NSW budget for 2022-23, we can expect many changes in the justice system. Moreover, the stamp duty reforms will be important for first homebuyers.
At JB Solicitors, we have an outstanding team of conveyancers and property lawyers. Our solicitors can can aid first homebuyers with making their property purchases.
Additionally, our family lawyers have a wealth of knowledge in handling domestic violence, family violence and other serious matters.
If you wish to seek legal advice, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team of lawyers. You can call our office on 1800 287 911.
Alternatively, contact us using our online enquiry form.
