The announcement that a further $55.7 million over the next three years will go to community legal centres ($39 million) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services ($16.7 million) has resulted in a collective sigh of relief from those services, who have been fearing a major cut for months.
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For his part, the Member for Oxley, Luke Hartsuyker, said he had written to the Attorney General asking for additional funding for community legal services to be allocated.
“I am pleased with this announcement,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“The additional funding for Community Legal Centres will be allocated under the National Partnership Agreement, and I am hopeful the NSW Government will recognise the needs of our area with an increased funding allocation.
“Nationally, the Australian Government is providing $1.73 billion over five years for Legal Aid Commissions, Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, which is more than ever before.
“This additional funding to Community Legal Centres will be directed to frontline family law and family violence services.
“This is the latest in a series of commitments made by the Coalition Government to support the work of the legal assistance sector and women and children affected by family violence.”
“People suffering from domestic violence need to know that legal assistance is available, accessible, and affordable.”
