Reduced legal aid to disadvantage women and children

Cuts of $16.7 million over five years to legal aid would equate to 6680 fewer grants of aid for court representation or 15,180 fewer family dispute resolution conferences in NSW according to Legal Aid NSW chief executive Bill Grant.

While the Baird Government expressed “deep concern” a spokesman for Senator Brandis said the Federal government was committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community. He said the new deal had an “evidence-based funding allocation model” to ensure scarce ­resources went to those most in need. The Australian newspaper reports that there are fears onerous new reporting requirements associated with this will drive up adminstrative expenses.

Mr Grant pointed out that 55% of their legal aid clients reported fears for their own or their children’s lives, and 20% had apprehended violence orders in place.

See the full article in The Australian: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/women-and-children-lose-in-shake-up-of-legal-aid-funding/story-e6frg97x-1227359508581