The Australian and New South Wales governments announced the two-year pilot on 19 August 2026. The $4.36 million program places trauma-informed workers in community organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, advocacy services and selected police stations.
Practical support at each stage
The 11 navigators will help victim-survivors make informed decisions, understand the justice process and connect with legal and other support services. They will operate across metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales.
The official announcement also identifies separate funding to expand Legal Aid NSW support for sexual violence complainants and research into restorative justice models.
Support and fair process can strengthen each other
People affected by sexual violence may face fear, trauma and unfamiliar legal procedures. Clear, independent guidance can make the system more accessible and reduce practical barriers to seeking help.
Navigator support does not determine the facts of an individual matter. Investigators and courts remain responsible for examining evidence, applying the law and preserving procedural fairness for everyone involved.
Protect
Genuine victim-survivors should receive safe, trauma-informed and accessible support.
Inform
People should understand their rights, choices and the steps in the justice process.
Examine
Evidence should be assessed independently, with fair-hearing safeguards preserved.
A fair system must be both supportive and evidence-based
Justice Before Judgment supports practical help for genuine victims and the protection of children. Effective support should sit alongside careful investigation, independent examination of evidence and procedural fairness. These principles are complementary parts of a trustworthy justice system.
The governments named in the announcement do not endorse this campaign. This article separates official information from independent campaign commentary.
Fairness needs a public voice.
Read the campaign's goals and safeguards, then add your support if you agree that justice should protect people, examine evidence and preserve fair process.
Source note: This update summarises an official government announcement and adds clearly labelled campaign commentary. It is general public information, not legal advice.