Reversal of Liberal cuts to community legal services welcome

 Federal Government backs away from huge cuts to community legal services
 Hodgman Government can’t see it as a way to cut its own support
 Cuts to Legal Aid remain

Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings has welcomed the Federal Government’s backdown on cutting funding to community legal centres.

“It would appear George Brandis has come to his senses,” Ms Giddings said.

“The $35 million cut to the national community legal sector would have had devastating consequences for Tasmania.

“This is an issue of social justice ensuring that no matter who you are or what your income is, you can access free legal advice.

“Many Tasmanians depend on these services to guide them through legal processes.

“It is critical these services remain open and free.
“I applaud the sector for its campaign against the cuts. It shows what can be achieved, or in this case prevented, when people come together.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work of Federal Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus who’s been crucial in the fight to protect this funding.

“The Hodgman Government cannot see this as an opportunity to ease back on its commitment to community legal centres.

“It would be shameful if the Liberal Government removed one dollar of funding off the back of this announcement.

“Unfortunately the backdown doesn’t include a reversal of cuts to Legal Aid which remains under severe pressure. The campaign to restore funding to Legal Aid continues.”
Lara Giddings MP Shadow Attorney-General