The Palaszczuk Labor Government has announced a state-wide funding increase for Community Legal Centres (CLCs), which will help offset funding cuts by the Federal LNP Government.

The funding increase will ensure that Moreton Bay Community Legal Services Inc. is in a position to continue to assist people in need of legal advice in the Caboolture area.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, joined with State Member for Pumicestone, Rick Williams MP, and Federal Member for Longman, Susan Lamb MP, in welcoming the funding announcement, which was part of a package of state-wide funding totalling $51.3 million in State and Commonwealth funding. 

“I’m very pleased that Moreton Bay Regional Community Legal Service will benefit from this funding injection of over $392,000,” Mr Ryan said.

“This means that local people who are struggling, who are vulnerable, who need legal advice will still be able to access a local CLC.

“But, despite Queensland boosting its contribution, there is still a funding shortfall because of the Turnbull Government’s decision to slash $2 million from Queensland’s community legal services.

“The cuts are due to come into effect from 1 July 2017 and it will mean that some of our most vulnerable residents risk being turned away from CLCs.”

“CLCs need funding certainty so they can continue to do their valuable work in the community,” Mr Williams said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is calling on the Turnbull Government to reverse the cuts and give CLCs the funding certainty they need, given that this funding is primarily utilised by the needy in our community.”

“We know how vital CLCs are and its welcomed news that the State Government is able to step up and keep the doors open here,” Ms Lamb said.

“But we won’t stop fighting until that federal funding comes this way as well."