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Community legal sector to receive $83m investment
The NSW Premier has injected a record investment into the community legal sector, which he said will bridge gaps in the system.
Lauren Croft
The community legal sector will receive more than $83 million over the next three years in a move NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said will give those in need better access to free legal support.
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Additionally, the joint state and federal funding would help provide long-term stability for vital legal services.
“Community legal centres play a crucial role in delivering access to justice for people facing disadvantage. This investment will give the sector the financial security it needs to continue helping people suffering hardship to receive critical legal services,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Eligible centres across all parts of NSW can also apply for funding to support more clients. This includes investing in regional areas where we know there is additional need.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the funding model would provide certainty for the sector and target “unmet need across the state”.
“It will enable more women and children to escape domestic and family violence (DFV), support people facing financial insecurity, and help thousands of vulnerable people across our communities get free legal support during their time of need,” he said.
“Centres will be able to apply for targeted funding, which will be prioritised based on where the demand is. Not only will this ensure better access to legal support for communities, it will also help provide new services where we know there are gaps.”
Community legal centres will be able to continue delivering core services with certainty with an allocation of $64.7 million. Furthermore, eligible centres will also have an opportunity to apply for $18.6 million earmarked for areas of greatest need, including for rural and remote communities and domestic and family violence services.
Community Legal Centres NSW executive director Tim Leach welcomed the funding, which centres will be able to apply for in early November.
“COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for the community legal sector. Our centres have adapted in order to continue delivering their life-saving work,” he said.
“This investment will provide critical funding security to our members so they can remain focused on helping vulnerable clients facing disadvantage and discrimination.”
