BEATTIE GOVERNMENT GIVES $3000 TO CLONCURRY JUSTICE ASSOCIATION FOR STAFF TRAINING

The Beattie Government has allocated $3,000 to the Cloncurry Justice Association to train staff in providing legal services, education and information more effectively.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Linda Lavarch, said the funding would allow four members of the association’s management committee to gain Certificate IV in Governance from the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

The project is one of 44 initiatives worth a total of $1.49 million that have been funded this year from the interest generated by solicitors’ trust fund accounts.

Mrs Lavarch said the Cloncurry Justice Association played a vital role in the north-west Queensland community.

“By training its staff in corporate governance, the association can better help local residents, particularly those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, with advice and support about the law, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol issues,” she said.

Mrs Lavarch said this was one of many initiatives funded this year that would improve legal services for vulnerable citizens throughout the state.

“This year’s grants, which range from $1,400 to $155,000, have been allocated to organisations that are dedicated to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” she said.

“It is important to protect the interests of vulnerable people and ensure that they have access to the same level of legal services as the general community, regardless of their location or situation.”

The grants are funded through theLegal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund, which is administered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

Media inquiries: Paul Holmes, Linda Lavarch’s office, 3239 6400 or 0407 378 796