WYNDHAM Legal Service will expand its youth law program following a funding injection from the federal government.
The community legal centre in Werribee’s Station Place will receive $480,000 over four years as part of a commitment to increase funding for legal services.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced the boost during a visit to the centre with the ALP’s Lalor candidate, Joanne Ryan, on Monday.
Wyndham Legal Service manager Denis Nelthorpe said the funding would make it easier for disadvantaged people to get help from a lawyer. He said the centre was compiling a report that found access to legal help was poor in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
“It is a real issue,” he said. “This funding will enable us to employ another lawyer or another lawyer and a half.”
Mr Nelthorpe said the funding would allow the centre to expand its youth law program and address issues faced by homeless young people. It would also be able to better help newly arrived migrants to tackle difficult civil cases.
Mr Dreyfus said community legal centres were an important part of the community.
“The best lawyers in Australia work in community legal services,” he said.
Ms Ryan said the centre provided vital legal services to disadvantaged residents.
