The NSW Government will inject more than half a billion dollars into New South Wales’ justice system, unveiling a comprehensive package in the 2025-26 Budget to support victim-survivors, expand court infrastructure, and strengthen community safety.
Premier Chris Minns said the $500 million investment was part of a long-term strategy to build a safer state, particularly for women and children fleeing violence.
“This package is about building a safer New South Wales and better protecting victim-survivors,” Premier Minns said. “We will deliver new courtrooms and a unique new hub allowing vulnerable victim-survivors to testify from a different location than their perpetrator.”
$227 million over five years will go to the Victims’ Support Service, which provides counselling and financial support for those affected by violent crime, including funeral and medical expenses.
A $49.4 million vulnerable persons court hub, expected to be operational by late 2027, will allow witnesses—especially women and children—to give evidence remotely via video link, avoiding the trauma of facing perpetrators in court.
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The Downing Centre and John Madison Tower will undergo a $34.5 million refurbishment, creating at least five new courtrooms, with another 10 virtual courtrooms to be added for remote bail hearings.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will receive $48.3 million to hire additional solicitors and pursue more prosecutions.
Attorney General Michael Daley said the investments would improve access to justice and reduce trauma, particularly for children in sexual offence proceedings. “We are increasing funding for a key program that is crucial to reduce courtroom trauma for child complainants and witnesses,” he said.
An additional $12.8 million will support 15 staff under the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program, enabling pre-recorded testimony to spare child witnesses the stress of live court appearances.
To manage rising prison populations, Corrective Services NSW will receive $100.5 million to enhance supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: “This funding will ensure Corrective Services has the resources it needs to keep those that should be off the streets behind bars.”
The package also includes $2.3 million to reform the NSW Victims Register, ensuring eligible victims of serious crimes receive mandatory notifications about offender sentencing, parole eligibility, and other updates.
The Government will invest $272.7 million into frontline domestic, family, and sexual violence services, continuing reforms to protect victim-survivors and intervene earlier.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison described the package as critical long-overdue work. “The Budget lays the foundation for long-term reform that the sector has been crying out for,” she said.
This latest funding is in addition to previous investments, including coercive control reforms and a historic $5.1 billion social and affordable housing program, with at least half of all new homes prioritised for women and children escaping violence.
“This is about putting victim-survivors at the centre of our justice system,” Minns said. “It’s the next step in building a safer NSW.”
