Funding boost for SW Qld community legal services

Two south-west Queensland community legal services will share in almost $123,000 as part of an almost $700,000 boost for additional staff in 10 community legal centres across Queensland, Attorney-General Kerry Shine said.

Mr Shine, who is also the Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland, said the Roma Community Legal Service has been allocated $65,837, while Care Goondiwindi Inc has been allocated $57,764 under the funding boost.

“The Queensland Government is committed to improving the access to justice and legal services for all Queenslanders,” Mr Shine said.

“The additional funding will assist both services to engage additional staff to provide assistance for local residents and families.”

Mr Shine said the additional funding for community legal centres would help some of the most disadvantaged members of the community, including children, victims of assault, the mentally ill and Indigenous men and women.

“Community legal centres can assist disadvantaged families going through difficult times and help them to access the legal advice and representation they need,” he said.

Mr Shine said the additional funding, announced as part of the 2007-08 State Budget this month, will be provided from the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund, administered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

26 June 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400