Palaszczuk Government announces interim funding for Community Legal Centres

The Palaszczuk Government has announced immediate interim funding to give Community Legal Centres more certainty while we await further details from the Federal Government.

While the Turnbull Government has said it has reversed its planned cuts for Community Legal Centres and allocated $39 million across Australia for 2017-2020, it is yet to provide states and territories with more details.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said it was still unclear how much funding would be provided to Queensland.

“Our Community Legal Centres still don’t know what services they will be providing from July 1,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Every day that passes without a plan creates more anxiety and uncertainty for Community Legal Centres.

“Some staff are still wondering whether they will have a job in seven weeks.

“This is not good enough. The Palaszczuk Government is taking an unprecedented step to support Queensland Community Legal Centres that were scheduled to be impacted by Turnbull Government’s funding cuts.

“A further $565,000 of Queensland funding will be allocated as an interim measure to the 22 impacted community organisations.

“This is in addition to the $33.3 million of Queensland funding already allocated to community organisations over 2017-20.”

Mrs D’Ath said the interim funding would go to Community Legal Centres that had scheduled cuts coming into effect for core and additional services.

“Simply making an announcement is not providing funding,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The Turnbull Government’s uncertainty is having a significant effect on service delivery for our most vulnerable Queenslanders in need of legal assistance.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s additional funding will provide vital funding certainty, enabling the community organisations to maintain current staff and services for three months until the mess caused by the Commonwealth Government can be sorted out.

“This step reaffirms the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to Community Legal Centres and the vulnerable people who access their services every day.

“We will work through the details of the Commonwealth’s plan once it is made available.”

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