THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
SENATOR THE HON LISA SINGH
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General Senator Lisa Singh today visited the Queensland Environmental Defenders Office to hear about the impact of the Abbott Government's funding cuts.
In December the Attorney-General advised all Environmental Defenders Offices they would not be receiving the additional $2.5 million each year committed by the Labor Government - the largest increase of funding ever received by these organisations.
Senator Brandis has also stated that all Federal Government funding to EDOs would be cut from July this year.
"We are extremely disappointed that the Government has withdrawn the extra $350,000 funding for the Queensland Environmental Defenders Office without any discussion or consultation with the EDO," Mr Dreyfus said.
"For nearly 20 years the Queensland Environment Defenders Office has advised and acted for individuals, community groups, and conservation groups seeking to protect the environment in the public interest."
"The EDO also plays a vital role in environmental law reform, policy development and public advocacy."
"State Liberal Governments have entirely cut EDO funding in both NSW and Queensland," Senator Lisa Singh said.
"Sadly Senator Brandis has continued this history of cutting funding to community legal services, started by the Howard Government.
"The Abbott Government's cuts to EDO funding have put smaller offices in danger of closure. Queensland EDO has managed to get by on community donations, but it is shameful that staff and volunteers face such an uncertain future."
The defunding of Environmental Defenders Offices are just part of the $43 million the Government has cut from legal assistance services over the next four years.
