Deadline looms for new community legal initiative funding bids

Applications to the Queensland Government for funding of new legal projects and initiatives across Queensland are due this week (23 March 2007), Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said up to $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 to improve community access to legal services and information.

“Funding is available for projects that help to make the law and justice more accessible to members of our community,” Mr Shine said.

“Last year, the fund provided grants to groups across the State. I urge groups with initiatives that help members of community to better understand and access our legal system to apply for funds.”

Mr Shine said the Department of Justice and Attorney-General encouraged funding applications for projects and initiatives that were beneficial to economically or socially disadvantaged or geographically isolated Queenslanders.

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.

20 March 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au