$39m legal aid funding boost for Victorian family violence victims

LEGAL help for vulnerable Victorians including family ­violence victims will be maintained after a $39 million investment in community legal centres was announced.

Attorney-General George Brandis has announced a $39 million funding boost for community legal centres. Picture: AAP Image/Sam Mooy

• New funds in budget to stop family violence
• Family violence help line runs hot

LEGAL help for vulnerable Victorians including family ­violence victims will be maintained after the Turnbull Government delivered a $39 million investment in community legal centres.

The centres had been facing a dramatic funding cliff from July 1 worth 30 per cent of their budgets until Attorney-General George Brandis announced the $39 million boost over three years on Monday.

Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria chief Serina McDuff said it was a relief the government had “heard the voices of the many family violence survivors and community members who have spoken out about the critical, lifesaving work that CLCs do”.

“For the thousands of women trapped in a cycle of ­violence, the most powerful and effective response requires legal help. Your access to legal help should not depend on your bank balance,” Ms McDuff said.

Mr Brandis said the money was part of a “record funding commitment” to legal assistance services worth $1.7 billion.

A further $16.7 million would be invested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services.

Opposition spokeswoman Katy Gallagher said the commitment was a “humiliating backflip” but “a very welcome development”.

Senator Brandis said the $39 million would be targeted at family violence services.

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