Today we acknowledged the incredible work of the Redfern Legal Centre and called on the Government to guarantee funding so that this vital service can continue.
Ms JENNY LEONG (Newtown) [1.25 p.m.]: On Thursday 21 May 2015 I met with the Redfern Legal Centre, the oldest legal centre in New South Wales offering essential legal services in our local community and across New South Wales. Historically funded at a State and Federal level, over the past three years the centre's core funding has been reduced. The centre now faces a shortfall of $294,000 for the upcoming financial year. This will result in a 50 per cent reduction in the frontline services supporting the most vulnerable in our community. It is likely that the continuation of at least three key legal services will cease—in the area of employment and discrimination law, credit and debt law, and policing law. It will significantly reduce the centre's capacity to provide legal assistance to women experiencing domestic violence and Aboriginal clients. In 2013-14, 300 volunteers contributed 11,600 hours of work to the estimated value of $2,160,000 for the community and the Redfern Legal Centre. Without adequate support the centre will not be able to continue this service to the vulnerable in our community.
