The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service stated today funding announced at National Cabinet for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services across Australia doesn’t go far enough.

“Here in Tasmania, this announcement means that Aboriginal people in Tasmania will continue to not have fair and equitable access to legal assistance and justice.” TALS CEO Jake Smith said.

“Without adequate funding from either the Federal or State Governments, Aboriginal people in Tasmania will continue to be disadvantaged and will continue to be over-represented in our youth detention facility and adult prisons.”

“This is not just a Federal Government issue; the Tasmanian Government also needs to take action and invest more in supporting the legal assistance needs of Aboriginal people in Tasmania.”

Mr Smith said the National Cabinet announcement also highlighted increased investment by the Federal Government to support frontline specialist and legal services to address gender-based violence.

“We welcome this announcement for July next year and recognise more details are to come. While this funding is an increase, the sectors need even greater investment, and it does not support the immediate needs we are facing.”

“We call on the Tasmanian Government to support the sector now. Aboriginal people in Tasmania can’t wait for next year - we need to support our community now”

Media contact: A. Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732