DCJ promotes fair and inclusive justice across NSW to mark Law Week

Wednesday 21 May 2025

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has joined with the legal community to celebrate Law Week, an annual event aiming to increase awareness of the justice system and facilitate greater access to justice for members of the community.

DCJ leads the legal and justice system in NSW – from the operation of courts and tribunals to law reform, victims services, and a range of other legal services and court programs.

Our aim is to ensure a fair and inclusive justice system for all people in NSW, whether you’re serving on a jury, helping clients navigate the legal process, or sitting at home watching Law and Order.

This Law Week, we’re highlighting some of our work that is helping to make the justice system more fair, inclusive and accessible:

• The Maliyan Program is a program in DCJ that provides cadetships and graduate roles to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. Successful applicants can work in a range of areas across DCJ including legal research, policy and reform, and receive mentoring and guidance. DCJ is running information sessions on the Maliyan Program during Law Week, on May 21 and 23.
• Circle sentencing. Staff in DCJ’s Aboriginal Services Unit facilitate Circle Sentencing, an alternative sentencing court available for Aboriginal adults who are guilty of an offence in the Local Court. During this process, members of the local Aboriginal community help to decide appropriate sentences and outcome plans. The availability of circle sentencing is increasing across NSW to make it more accessible for people who need it.
• Multicultural court open days. Justice is for everyone, and DCJ’s Multicultural Policy and Engagement team have been holding open days at courts across the state to make sure everyone can understand the court process, regardless of their background. In interactive sessions, visitors learn more about the court process and the role courts play in ensuring fairness.
• Protecting victims’ rights. DCJ staff are guided by the Charter of Victims Rights, which sets out how victims of crime should be treated.
• Law Reform. DCJ regularly runs public consultations on proposed law reform so the community has a chance to have their say on the laws that will apply to them: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/engage-with-us.html

Law Week runs from 19 – 25 May. For more information on what we do, visit the DCJ website at https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice.html

To register for a free information session on the Maliyan Program, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/maliyan-program-online-info-session-tickets-1300080729459

Michael Tidball, Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, said:

"Law Week offers valuable opportunities for people throughout NSW to understand their legal rights and responsibilities, promoting a fair, inclusive, and accessible justice system.

“This year’s focus reflects DCJ’s commitment to equitable access to justice.”