The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service stated today it is seeing an increased demand for civil legal assistance.

“We are seeing an increase in community members seeking legal advice and assistance on a range of civil issues,” TALS CEO Jake Smith said.

“This includes discrimination, employment law and debt recovery which we see is directly linked to the increased cost of living.

“We have one civil Lawyer, who can only do so much to support people across the state, it is simply not enough.”

Mr Smith said TALS represents Aboriginal people from communities across Tasmania.

“Our services are sought by local Aboriginal communities, as we are Tasmanian, we are trusted, and we provide services that are culturally considered to our clients’ needs.”

TALS is primarily funded under the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) and a review released late last month identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience greater un-met legal need than any other group in the community.

“We have known for some time that our service, as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) is underfunded to meet the needs of our community here in Tasmania, the NLAP review confirms this.

“The Government currently provides funding for one civil lawyer for the entire state, with funding ending at the end of the year.”

Mr Smith said current funding for all matters and including civil matters is simply not enough.

“Where we are unable to assist, clients either self-represent in their matter or do not pursue it.

“The NLAP review highlights the increased cost to the justice system of people who self-represent predominantly due to the time it takes to hear the matter. Pursuing a matter due to no representation is simply not right – and is another example of Aboriginal people falling through the gaps.

“We do all that we can to support our clients with referrals where we are unable to, but we are not always able to find someone able to assist.”

Mr Smith said the NLAP review specifically calls for governments to increase funding for additional civil legal assistance services, among other legal assistance areas in which it funds.

“The NLAP Report recommends a particular focus on providing resources to ATSILS.

“While this is not specifically an Aboriginal issue, with the NLAP report highlighting the chronic underfunding of Civil Legal Services for all Australian’s requiring legal assistance, our community experiences the greatest unmet legal needs than any other, and more needs to be done.”

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