Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings has called upon the Premier Will Hodgman to take up the cause of Legal Aid and the Community Legal Services in Tasmania, which have been cut in the Federal Budget.
“The Premier says he has a constructive relationship with Tony Abbott, well here’s his chance to prove it,” Ms Giddings said.
“Legal services were already stretched in Tasmania with a growing number of people no longer able to access legal aid to help them through the processes of the family court.
“Legal Aid and the CLCs cannot afford the $240,000 cut this coming year, let alone the more than half a million dollars’ worth of cuts embedded next year.
“CLCs are critical as they provide free advice to the public in a time where obtaining legal services is cost prohibitive for many Tasmanians.
“Legal Aid is critical for those who need legal representation in the court system, but cannot afford it.
“Legal services are already underfunded in Australia by around $200 million according to the Productivity Commission.
“Indeed the Environmental Defenders Office’s funding was cut altogether by the Abbott Liberal Government leaving many people with limited access to planning advice to help through local government issues as well as on environmental issues.
“Tasmanians need more funding in legal services not less.
“Further cuts to CLCs and Legal Aid will see more people left to fend for themselves and not have access to the justice they deserve.
“Fees in the Family Court system are also increasing, adding unnecessary financial pressure on people during very difficult circumstances.
“If Mr Hodgman fails to get his Federal Liberal colleagues to deliver the required resources, then it is incumbent on the State Government to find the funding required to ensure Tasmanians have access to justice.”
Lara Giddings MP Shadow Attorney-General
