THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ISAACS
BRANDIS BACKFLIPS ON LEGAL CENTRE FUNDING
Today's announcement of a reversal in cuts to Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services is a humiliating backdown for George Brandis and a victory for campaigners around Australia.
Labor has been protesting these cuts for years, arguing vulnerable Australians in need of free legal services - including domestic violence victims - would suffer.
The devastating cuts would have seen many centres offering free legal help close their doors and clients in need turned away.
Until today, George Brandis pretended these cuts did not exist and there was instead a net boost to funding. It seems unlikely it is Senator Brandis has executed this backflip without considerable pressure from his colleagues, who must now be as sick of his ineptness as Labor is.
While the reversal of these cuts is welcome, it is beyond time for the coalition and George Brandis to stop toying with the funding of these vital services. They deserve stability and predictable funding.
The uncertainty faced by the centres in recent months and years has been incredibly damaging, with many already losing experienced staff and unable to plan for the future. Its unacceptable.
Labor is committed to free legal services for Australians who need it, and will always give Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services the support they deserve.
MONDAY, 24 APRIL 2017
