The Public Interest Advocacy Centre has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to reverse funding cuts to the Community Legal Services Program.
The Federal Attorney-General, George Brandis, yesterday announced that there would be no reduction in Commonwealth funding to Legal Aid Commissions, community legal centres and Indigenous legal assistance for the next two years.
‘This decision will allow community legal centres, like PIAC, to continue to focus on helping the most disadvantaged people in Australia,’ said PIAC’s CEO, Edward Santow.
‘Funding from the Australian Government helps PIAC run the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service, which provides free legal assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.’
‘In tough economic times like now, demand for our service is only increasing. We are grateful that the Attorney-General recognises the importance of our work helping disadvantaged people.’