The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of legal assistance organisations and the valuable work they do in the community.
Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania (LACT) will receive two grants totalling $700,000 that will benefit Tasmanians right across the State.
The Government recognises and values the important role that Legal Aid plays in our community, and this funding will give them even greater ability to assist vulnerable Tasmanians with legal services when they need it.
Our nation-leading Safe Homes, Safe Families Action Plan will allocate $100,000 to assist those suffering from the scourge of family violence. This funding will allow Legal Aid to continue employing an additional solicitor for family violence legal services, and in delivering Safe at Home legal education in rural and remote areas.
Additionally, I am pleased to announce that $600,000 will be allocated to Legal Aid due to a surplus of funds from the Solicitors Guarantee Fund from 2016-17.
This will allow Legal Aid to fund essential services such as:
These grants will be welcomed by Legal Aid and Tasmanians in need, and confirms our commitment to protect Tasmania’s most vulnerable citizens.