The announcement was made at Redfern Legal Centre to a group of Sydney community legal centres, all turning away hundreds of people every year. The funding would see Redfern Legal Centre receive a $450,000 boost over three years.
Joanna Shulman, Redfern Legal Centre, CEO welcomes the announcement and calls for the Coalition to match or exceed the ALP commitment.
“Redfern Legal Centre and all Community Legal Centres are losing frontline services under the current cuts to CLCs,” Ms Shulman says. “This is a very welcome step towards the Productivity Commission recommendation of $200 million to meet current demand,” Ms Shulman said.
“We call on the Coalition join the ALP in acknowledging CLCs crucial work for the most vulnerable in our community by matching or increasing this funding promise,” she said.
“This funding will allow us to continue to support victims of domestic violence through our court advocacy support service, but also assist them in regards to financial abuse, housing and employment through our ‘one stop shop’ of legal support services,” she said.
“Our legal services continue to support domestic violence victims after the AVO is in place. RLC’s credit and debt solicitor often sees domestic violence victims grappling with financial abuse. Recently, one client had nine credit cards taken out in her name by an abusive partner that totaled over $55,000. RLC negotiated with creditors and financial institutions to waive the debts. The RLC team then assisted the client attain secure housing,” Ms Shulman said.
