On 4 March 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 10 August 2015: Access to legal assistance services.

On 22 June 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 12 November 2015.  On 9 November 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 3 December 2015. On 30 November 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 March 2016. On 22 February 2016, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 25 August 2016.

On 9 May 2016, the inquiry lapsed with the dissolution of the Senate and House of Representatives for a general election on 2 July 2016.  

On 15 September 2016 the Senate agreed to re-refer the inquiry with a reporting date of 13 October 2016.

Submissions and additional information received are available on the inquiry webpage.