The LNP will inject $600,000 into a legal centre that is in the frontline of the Gold Coast’s domestic violence crisis if it wins the next state election.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the funding for My Community Legal, based in Robina, would extend the legal support and advice that the service offers to vulnerable people across the southern Gold Coast.
“The volunteers at My Community Legal do an incredible job supporting domestic violence victims who have no-one else to turn to,” Ms Frecklington said.
“However, the service does not receive any funding from the State Government.
“If the LNP wins the next state election, this valuable legal service will receive public funding so that it can expand and improve the support it offers to the southern Gold Coast.
“The LNP will support the people who support victims.
“No-one should have to live in an abusive or violent relationship.”
LNP Member for Mudgeeraba and Shadow Minister for Women Ros Bates is a long-standing supporter of the centre, which relies on the pro bono work of law students from Bond University and Griffith University.
“Sadly, there is huge local demand for this service from DV victims,” Ms Bates said.
“The My Community Legal team do amazing work and the LNP are right behind them.
“DV victims are usually desperate and frightened. They need expert advice and help to ensure they and their children can be safe.”
My Community Legal (previously known as Robina Community Legal Centre) provides free legal advice to around 1300 local residents each year.
More than 40 per cent of its clients are victims of domestic violence, but the centre also advises people on a range of other legal issues, such as bankruptcy and tenancy disputes.
The LNP’s funding support for the centre would be spread over four years.
The LNP has already announced a package of other measures to combat domestic violence and support victims, including:
- introducing the toughest strangulation laws in the country
- immediately reviewing the current criminal justice framework to implement new laws such as coercive control
- giving frontline police tougher laws and new powers to issue domestic violence orders on the spot.
- committing $500,000 to roll-out personal safety devices to people at high-risk of suffering domestic violence
- Providing grants of up to $2000 people can use to access emergency accommodation