Community Legal Centres Tasmania today welcomed the State Government’s commitment to make up the shortfall in Commonwealth funding to the legal assistance sector for the 2015-2016 financial year following the release of the State Budget last week.
Jane Hutchison the Chair of CLC Tas stated:
A fortnight ago we were faced with the prospect of cutting jobs and reducing services as a result of the Federal Government’s cuts to the legal assistance sector. Thankfully, those jobs and services are protected for the next 12 months following the State Government’s recognition that legal assistance to the socially and financially disadvantaged is worth protecting.
The Federal Government’s 2015-16 Budget cut $370,000 from the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania and $200,000 from Community Legal Centres around Tasmania. Whilst the Commonwealth did note that it would provide top up funding of $330,000 to cover the short fall this was only for the 2015-16 financial year only and still left a short fall of $240,000 and more than double that amount in future years.
Ms Hutchison said:
“Whilst the State Government’s topping up of Commonwealth funding is welcomed we reiterate our concerns that the Environmental Defender’s Office continues to fight for its survival. We would also remind the Government that the Productivity Commission only six months ago recognised that there continues to be significant unmet legal need throughout Australia. We call on the State Government to appropriately fund the EDO and invest more in meeting legal need throughout Tasmania”.
Benedict Bartl Solicitor
