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In the latest press release the Law Council of Australia President, Mr Greg McIntyre SC, said that while he understands that many Australians are struggling to make ends meet, legal assistance services still need to be properly funded.
“The Law Council of Australia appreciates that there are multiple demands on the public purse at a time when many Australians are struggling to keep afloat.
“However, helping people keep their heads above water is precisely what legal assistance services do for hundreds of thousands of people every year. They must be properly funded in order to continue their vital work,”
“Our legal assistance services are designed to be there for people experiencing disadvantage or crisis and to help them get back on their feet. They help people whether experiencing family violence or elder abuse, challenging an unfair social security decision or discrimination in the workplace, or addressing a consumer law dispute.
“Support from legal aid commissions, community legal centres, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services or National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services can make the difference for someone in terms of being safe, having a roof over their head and not having their financial or employment rights trampled."
“Sadly, and to this nation’s shame, our legal assistance services are severely under-resourced. As a result, they are unable to meet demand and are turning clients away.