Reinstatement of two-year funding to a single community legal centre by the Federal Government has been welcomed, but leaves 13 centres in Victoria and nearly 60 centres nationally with cuts commencing on 1 July and ongoing funding uncertainty, according to the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria).

‘Yarra Ranges Community Legal Centre is a great example of why free legal help in local communities is vitally important, especially given the prevalence of family violence, and we commend the Federal Government for acknowledging that cutting this service would have a devastating impact. However, centres throughout Victoria and Australia are still facing cuts that will leave vulnerable people with no options for legal help. For the sake of these centres and their clients, we hope to see similar announcements made in coming weeks,’ said Federation Executive Officer, Liana Buchanan, today. Continue reading →