18 April 2008
BOOST FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH BETTER LEGAL SERVICES
The Rudd Government is working to improve social inclusion, with Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announcing one-off additional funding of $10 million for the Commonwealth Community Legal Services Program.
The funding will assist centres to manage the increasing demand for their services, with all Commonwealth-funded centres receiving additional money. The money will be allocated on a needs basis focusing on a centre’s current funding level, location and client demographics. A range of support projects will also be funded.
“This funding injection demonstrates the Rudd Government’s strong commitment in helping vulnerable people access much-needed legal assistance services. This is the largest ever injection of additional funding into the Program,” Mr McClelland said.
The one-off injection of $10 million comes on top of the $22.6 million being provided by the Commonwealth to community legal centres.
A further one-off allocation of $7 million has also been made for legal aid to help meet the most pressing needs in the system, including services in the area of family law.
“Community legal centres and legal aid provide valuable assistance to disadvantaged people in a range of areas, including family and criminal law, tenancy issues, employment disputes and consumer credit and debt,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Rudd Government recognises that without such support people can be prevented from fully participating in society, causing their problems to escalate and entrenching disadvantage.”
The one-off funding boost coincides with the completion of the Commonwealth’s review of its Community Legal Services Program.
The review confirms the key role the Program plays in assisting members of the community with legal and related problems, and the expertise and innovative approach adopted by community legal centres in providing this assistance.
“I pay tribute to the dedication of all those who contribute to community legal centres or who undertake legal aid work,” Mr McClelland said.
The Attorney-General’s Department will shortly consult with stakeholders about the review findings. The review is available at www.ag.gov.au.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224