BEATTIE GOVERNMENT GIVES $32,500 FOR BURDEKIN LEGAL SERVICES

Burdekin Shire residents needing legal aid services will no longer have to travel to Townsville, thanks to funding from a Beattie Government grants program.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Linda Lavarch, said the Burdekin Community Association had been given $32,500 to provide legal services to residents of Burdekin Shire.

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

Mrs Lavarch said the money would allow the association to provide legal aid services for 12.5 hours a week, as well as administrative support, training and accommodation.

“This new service will help many of the Burdekin Shire’s more vulnerable residents including the disabled, those with difficulty reading and writing, those with limited skills in English,” she said.

“Also, with the recent downturn in some primary industry sectors, many residents are no longer able to afford commercial legal services and desperately need this type of service.

“The Burdekin Community Association has proven track record in providing high-quality community and welfare services and this funding will allow the association to meet a growing demand for legal aid services.”

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 the Legal 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