The Law Society of NSW, which represents the state’s 34,000 solicitors, today welcomed news of an $88 million funding boost over four years for legal aid in NSW.

President of the Law Society of NSW, Elizabeth Espinosa, congratulated the NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman, for listening to and responding to ongoing pleas from the state’s legal profession for more legal aid funding.

“The Law Society has been in ongoing dialogue with the NSW Attorney General about this issue for some time now,” Ms Espinosa said.

“This funding will benefit vulnerable people in our community, people at the lowest end of the poverty threshold, who are struggling to deal with family violence, criminal and debt matters, who will now have better access to legal advice and services.

“At a time when the entire state is in the grips of drought, when farmers, rural communities and regional businesses are grappling with many distinct challenges as a result of this drought, this funding will also ensure much-needed access to legal assistance in our state.

“Our regional solicitors, who are trusted advisers and a crucial component of close-knit towns and rural communities, are well aware of the impact of this drought and many have been providing many hours of pro bono service in the absence of adequate legal aid funding.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure that the legal aid package benefits those most in need.”

CONTACT
Sue Finn | Media and Public Relations Manager
The Law Society of New South Wales
T: +61 2 9926 0288 | M: +61 413 440 699 | E: media@lawsociety.com.au