The Attorney-General has failed to stand up to the threat of Community Legal Centres (CLCs) having to charge for the legal support they provide.
The Abbott Government is pushing for legal advice to be means tested and for charges to be put in place.
The concept has been criticised widely, including by Australian of the Year and anti-domestic violence advocate Rosie Batty who said: “I don’t think they are a consultative type of government… they should have a better understanding of what it’s like to feel financially pressured and going through a terrible situation.”
But Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings said the response from Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin during Budget Estimates was extremely disappointing.
“Vanessa Goodwin said it would be “regrettable” and moved on,” Ms Giddings said.
“The Hodgman Government looks like it’ll put up no fight on this issue and will instead sit on its hands.
“CLCs are often the first port of call for people in the most vulnerable situations, many of whom would not pass the means test but need advice as to where to go for help.
“Imposing a cost of the service is simply unfair and goes against the reason Community Legal Centres were established.
“It would impose huge compliance costs on services as they would need a trained person to run their accounts and comply with accounting requirements.”
“It would also impose an additional burden on them via increased insurance premiums.
“Given Tony Abbott has already put enormous pressure on CLCs through funding cuts, this change would inevitably result in some centres closing.
“Despite a barrage of opposition to the decision, the Abbott Government is pushing ahead with the change and it appears the Hodgman Government is falling into line.
“Considering much of the advice in Community Legal Centres is provided by volunteers, some of whom are law students, charging for the service is completely illogical.”
Lara Giddings MP Shadow Attorney-General
