Justice grant to fund migrant workshops in Mackay

Migrant workers and their families who have recently arrived in Australia will be the major beneficiaries of a grant announced by the Queensland Government today.

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre would receive $9700 to develop and conduct a series of information workshops for new migrants attracted to central Queensland by the mining boom and local development.

“Mackay has experienced rapid economic growth resulting in a severe shortage of skilled labour, which has led employers to actively recruit workers from overseas,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Some of these workers have limited English language skills and know very little about our culture, lifestyle, government or legal system.”

“These workshops will provide these workers with practical legal information on a wide range of everyday topics such as tenancy, banking, drivers’ licences, road rules and traffic matters, consumer issues and discrimination.”

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said the Mackay project was among 35 initiatives to be funded this year from the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund administered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General to enhance community legal services and education.

“These grants will help to level the legal playing field for some of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised people in our society, including victims of crime, people with disabilities, Indigenous Queenslanders, young people and refugees,” Mr Shine said.

“The grants will provide almost $1.7 million in total for a wide range of worthwhile projects across the State.”

“Many of these other grants will support regional and state-wide initiatives that also benefit the people of Mackay.”

1 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au