Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson today welcomed news of a three year funding commitment from the Queensland Government for the delivery of free or low-cost legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders.
Fiona Simpson MP has announced that two local service providers will receive funding from the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund (LPITAF) for 2014-17 financial years.
For the 2014-15 financial year, Centacare Family and Relationship Services in Maroochydore will receive $151,729 in funding and Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc will receive $210,138, with funding amounts continuing with indexation, for the next three years.
Ms Simpson said these local centres will share in $30.1 million worth of State Government funding over the 2014-15 financial years to provide legal assistance services to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community. In addition to this, Legal Aid Queensland will receive $64.4 million in the 2014-15 financial year.
“The Government has a responsibility to ensure all Queenslanders have access to legal representation, counselling and support regardless of their circumstances,” Ms Simpson said.
“Community Legal Centres work tirelessly to make the often overwhelming task of dealing with the legal system, less intimidating for people.”
“This funding will greatly assist vulnerable constituents in the Maroochydore electorate,” she said.
Based in Maroochydore, Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc offers quality legal advice, referral information and education completely free of charge to the greater Sunshine Coast Community. Services are delivered by volunteer lawyers from the local profession working in conjunction with volunteer receptionists and a minimal paid staff.
“I’m pleased that both Centacare and Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc will be receiving guaranteed funding over the next three years so that both centres can continue providing vital legal support to the people of the Sunshine Coast.”
