THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
JULIE OWENS MP
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR SMALL BUSINESS
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PARRAMATTA
MEDIA RELEASE
GOVERNMENT CUTS HURT VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
The Abbott Government's cuts to Community Legal Centres are putting victims of family violence in danger by making it harder for them to seek help.
Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Member for Parramatta Julie Owens visited the Macquarie Legal Centre today to hear about the impact of the Government's cuts to the service.
Senator Brandis's cuts to legal assistance mean Macquarie Legal Centre has suffered a $240,000 cut over the next two years, Mr Dreyfus said.
In 2013 I announced additional funding over four years to the Macquarie Legal Centre to address their high number of clients with domestic violence and family law matters.
This funding has been cut by the current government, despite their claim to support frontline legal services.
It doesn't get more frontline than providing legal advice to victims of family violence.
Macquarie Legal Centre provides free legal advice to those who cant afford private representation in Sydney's West.
Macquarie Legal Centre provides vital legal services to our community, said Julie Owens.
This service ensures that everyone has access to the legal support they need, not just those who can afford expensive legal fees.
I hope that the Government will reconsider this cut and keep funding Macquarie Legal Centres important family violence service.
Labor has committed almost $50 million to frontline legal services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services to ensure women suffering from family violence get the legal support they need.
THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2015
