Public interest law in Australia is a vital area focused on advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized or disadvantaged groups, promoting social justice, and ensuring government accountability. This field encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including human rights, environmental protection, consumer rights, and access to justice. Public interest lawyers often work with non-profit organizations, community legal centers, and governmental bodies to effect systemic change and protect public welfare.

Key areas of public interest law include civil liberties, anti-discrimination, environmental justice, indigenous rights, refugee and asylum seeker advocacy, and public health. Lawyers in this field engage in activities such as litigation, policy advocacy, legal research, and community education. They strive to address inequalities and ensure that legal systems are fair and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Recent developments in public interest law reflect the growing awareness and activism around issues such as climate change, social and economic inequality, and the rights of indigenous populations. Legislative changes, court decisions, and international human rights norms continuously shape the landscape of public interest law, demanding that practitioners stay current with evolving standards and practices.