Today marks the launch of the Regional Alliance for Justice Associations (RAJA) – a coordinated, regional response to the system conditions shaping access to justice in regional Western Australia.
Across rural, regional and remote communities, access to justice is influenced by more than the availability of services. It is shaped by factors including workforce capacity, housing availability, geographic distance and system coordination.
These are not isolated challenges, they are system-level conditions that impact how justice systems operate in regional contexts.
RAJA has been established to strengthen how regional justice and social justice systems function, supporting more connected, sustainable and place-based responses across Western Australia.
RAJA Members: A Network of Regional Organisations Across WA
RAJA is a collaboration of regional organisations working across diverse communities throughout Western Australia.
Its founding members include:
- Kimberley Community Legal Services
- Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre
- Pilbara Community Legal Services
- Regional Alliance West
- South West Community Legal Centre
- Great Southern Community Legal Services
These organisations bring deep local knowledge, community relationships and place-based expertise to the regional justice system.
RAJA strengthens coordination across this network while preserving the independence and leadership of each member organisation.
Why RAJA is Launching During Law Week
RAJA is launching during National Law Week to contribute to the national conversation on access to justice.
While Law Week highlights legal systems and services, RAJA brings a regional perspective into focus, recognising that in regional Western Australia, access to justice is shaped by how systems function together.
This includes the interaction between:
- justice and legal systems
- housing and infrastructure
- community and social services
- workforce and regional capacity
Strengthening coordination across these systems is essential to improving outcomes.