THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
TERRI BUTLER MP
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR CHILD SAFETY AND PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH
IT'S TIME TURNBULL REVERSED HIS CUTS TO FRONT LINE FAMILY VIOLENCE SERVICES
The Turnbull Government has confirmed today that it will not fix the 30 per cent funding cliff front-line legal services will face on 1 July 2017, including those that assist in relation to family violence.
The $30 million the government has announced today does not go far enough to reverse the devastating cuts in the 2014 Budget.
Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said: "Community Legal Centres will fall off a cliff from 1 July 2017 unless the government reverses its earlier cuts in full. The money announced today is just not enough.
"Many Community Legal Centres are struggling to keep their doors open. They deserve better than a government that cuts them to the bone, and then returns to them less than they need to keep going. They are not a political plaything.
I am proud that Labor has already pledged nearly $43 million in funding for front-line legal services to give Community Legal Centres the resources they need.
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Prevention of Family Violence Terri Butler said:
The Liberals have cut $24 million from Community Legal Centres, $15 million from Legal Aid Commissions, and $13 million from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.
The Turnbull Government should know that adequate investment in family violence services saves lives. The government should immediately reverse all of its cuts to front-line legal services if it is serious about stopping the scourge of family violence.
If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
*** If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. ***
THURSDAY, 12 MAY 2016
