More services for vulnerable Queenslanders

Vulnerable Queenslanders will have better access to legal services thanks to more than $140,000 in extra funding for local organisations.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Newman Government was living up to its commitment to revitalise frontline services for Queenslanders.

“These organisations are at the coal face, helping Queenslanders with complex and often misunderstood issues,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Around $90,000 will go towards expanding the successful Homeless Persons Legal Clinic to Cairns.

“The Clinic is run by the Queensland Public Interest Legal Clearing House and will provide free legal advice and assistance to people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Its office in Brisbane has offered representations to more than 4,000 Queenslanders with complex, multiple legal needs for more than a decade.”

Member for Cairns Gavin King said the expansion would help address what had become a growing issue in his electorate.

“Homelessness is a social problem that was ignored by Labor for far too long,” Mr King said.

“Coupled with a planned 40 bed supported accommodation facility in Cairns recently announced by the Newman Government, this legal service will ensure vulnerable people get the help they need.”

Mr Bleijie said extra funding would also go towards helping offenders reintegrate back into society.

“More than $51,000 will help fund the Prisoners’ Legal Service’s Safe Way Home program, which helps prisoners prepare relapse prevention and reintegration plans before they are released from jail,” he said.

“Around 30 per cent of Queensland’s prison population is inside for parole violations. That is unacceptable.

“Following years of Labor inaction and mismanagement, we are an unapologetically tough government when it comes to law order, but we are also committed to preventing further offending in holistic ways.

“This is a win win for everyone.”

[ENDS] 11 December 2013

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351