TASMANIAN LEGAL AID LAGGING BEHIND NATION

The Tasmanian Greens today said access to Legal Aid in Tasmania was lagging behind other states, with a growing number of underprivileged Tasmanians struggling to access the service.

In State Parliament today, Greens Attorney General Spokesperson, Kim Booth MP, today called on the Attorney General Brian Wightman MP prioritise providing an accessible, effective legal service instead of cost cutting.

“In July last year the Attorney General proudly promoted the service as having the most cost effective grants distribution process in the nation,” Mr Booth said.

“It is worrying when you have a Minister whose priority appears to be financial efficiency when it should be providing an accessible, effective agency that meets its intended purpose.”

“The statistics show that Tasmania, by proportion, is underperforming in providing access to Legal Aid while at the same time the Minister is standing up in Parliament talking about how cost effective the agency is.”

“Justice is based on all persons having access to legal representation, not on whether a system is cost effective.”

“The reality is that many Tasmanians, particularly in family law matters, face the court without legal representation.”

“This is unacceptable, and I am calling for adequate funding to provide justice for all, not just to those who can afford it.”

Kim Booth MP Greens Attorney General Spokesperson