Senator for the ACT Kate Lundy has today welcomed the announcement by Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, of additional one-off funding for legal services that provide support and advice to victims of family violence across Australia.
As part of the $3 million announcement the ACT Women’s Legal Service will receive $100,000 to enable them to employ an Indigenous Liaison Officer.
“The Government has a zero tolerance approach to family violence. It is important to ensure that all victims of family violence, including Indigenous victims, are able to access services to help them re-establish their lives,” Mr McClelland said.
The funding will assist Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, Women’s Legal Services, and Indigenous Women’s Projects to:
- lodge victim’s compensation claims, including helping to pay for associated upfront costs such as medical reports;
- provide legal and related support to victims to ensure their rights are protected; and
- increase the awareness of services and related legal issues through improved resources and community legal education initiatives.
“I welcome this investment for the ACT Women’s Legal Service to be able to employ an Indigenous Liaison Officer, it is an important investment to assist and continue their important work in providing legal assistance and advice to victims of family violence in the ACT,” Senator Lundy said.
Today’s announcement was made as part of the Attorney’s address to the Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPLS) Annual Conference in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
