Legal assistance sector receives boost

Tasmania’s legal assistance sector has been given a boost of $4 million with many organisations set to benefit.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said 20 initiatives have received funding through the Solicitor’s Guarantee Fund, which will have a positive impact on Tasmania’s justice system.

“The Tasmanian Government is always looking for ways in which we can improve access to justice for Tasmanians,” the Attorney-General said.

“Our justice system is more than courts and police – fit-for-purpose legislation and wrap-around services that provide legal advice and support are just as important.

“I look forward to the delivery of the successful initiatives and the positive impact they will have on Tasmania’s legal system and access to justice for Tasmanians.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we’re working hard to ensure our justice system is continuing to serve Tasmanians.”

Specific initiatives funded include:

• Community legal education activities to be delivered by Community Legal Centres Tasmania and Tasmania Legal Aid;
• Provision of duty lawyer services, mental health lawyers and youth justice lawyers;
• Development and maintenance of the Tasmanian Law Library;
• Ongoing delivery of the Witness Assistance Scheme by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions;
• Development of educative resources to assist vulnerable people who appear before TASCAT;
• Development of education and technology materials by the Tenants Union of Tasmania;
• Continuing the Tenants’ Union of Tasmania’s existing Launceston service;
• A review of life sentences in Tasmania and an update to a research paper on Sentencing Young Offenders by the Sentencing Advisory Council;
• A Preventative Lawyering Program for prisoners and detainees to be delivered by the Prisoners Legal Service Tasmania; and
• Funding for the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute to undertake a review of the Coroners Act 1995.