$1.5M available for new community legal initiatives

Applications have been called to share in $1.5 million in funding for legal projects and initiatives across Queensland, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said $1.5 million in grants was available through the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund (LPITAF) to provide funding for law reform initiatives and improve community access to legal services and information.

“The Queensland Government is committed to delivering a fair, open and accessible justice system,” Mr Shine said.

“Projects supported through this fund must focus on making the law more accessible for the community.

“They will not only help people to improve their understanding of the legal system, but will also provide access to the services they need,” he said.

Mr Shine said the grants in 2006 supported a range of legal projects such as community legal services, education programs, training and community resources.

“Those grants funded programs that assisted some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Shine said.

“Recipients include groups from Cloncurry, Cairns, the Burdekin shire, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, as well as Brisbane-based organisations with state-wide coverage.

“This year, funding will again be available for projects focusing on law reform, legal education and services and the collection, assessment and dissemination of legal information.

“Projects that benefit the socially, economically and geographically disadvantaged in the community are especially encouraged.

“I encourage all interested parties to submit their application by 23 March 2007,” he said.

The grants are funded through the interest generated on solicitors’ trust accounts, in accordance with Section 209(1)(h) of the Legal Profession Act 2004.

For more information or to obtain an information pack and application form contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General on 3239 6936 or visit www.justice.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au