June 21, 2017
Member for Nanango – and former solicitor – Deb Frecklington is worried that State Government cuts will force the Women’s Legal Service to stop providing key services to the South Burnett.
“The Women’s Legal Service provides invaluable legal support and advice to vulnerable women across Queensland, particularly women and children suffering from domestic violence,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Sadly, due to funding cuts imposed by the Palaszczuk Labor Government and set to take effect from July 1, key services in regional areas like ours will no longer be available.
“This includes a phone hotline for rural and regional women desperately seeking help in life-threatening situations.
“As a critical access point for rural and regional women, this will mean their chances of getting through will significantly decrease.”
Mrs Frecklington said the Women’s Legal Service had estimated that 13,000 victims of violence in Queensland would not be able to access a service.
“This legal assistance is essential for the safety of thousands of vulnerable women who will not leave an abusive home unless they know about their legal rights to a protection order or how to protect their children through the family court system,” she said.
“In 2012, the LNP provided $750,000 over three years to keep this hotline going because we knew how important this service is. In 2014, we extended the funding arrangement until June 30, 2017.
“That funding is about to run out. Vulnerable women and their families in regional Queensland deserve better.”
Mrs Frecklington urged South Burnett residents to contact Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and ask her to reverse the funding cuts.
