BEATTIE GOVERNMENT GIVES $25,000 FOR NEW GLADSTONE LEGAL SERVICE

The Beattie Government has allocated $25,000 to the Gladstone City Council to provide a free, face-to-face legal advice service.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Linda Lavarch, said the funding would also allow the council to deliver community education sessions to residents of Gladstone, Calliope Shire and parts of Miriam Vale Shire.

“Gladstone residents have had travel to Rockhampton, an hour’s drive away, or use a video link-up with Legal Aid staff from Rockhampton, to get free legal advice,” Mrs Lavarch said.

“This new funding will allow the Gladstone City Council to provide greater legal support to residents, who will be able to get face-to-face help with their legal problems.

“This service is expected to help many of the area’s disadvantaged residents including people with mental and intellectual disabilities, young people at risk of homelessness, apprentices dealing with changes to industrial relations laws and victims of domestic violence.”

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 solicitor trust fund accounts.

Mrs Lavarch said the face-to-face legal advice service was one of many projects 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