FEDERAL government funding cuts to the indigenous legal sector could have a devastating impact on the delivery of frontline legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, a report warns. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services executive officer Eddie Cubillo has raised concerns as to how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services will survive such a significant funding cut. Writing in the latest indigenous Law Bulletin, released today, Mr Cubillo says: “The overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all markers of socioeconomic disadvantage, and in all stages of the criminal justice system, is one of Australia’s most significant issues. “This level of disadvantage, combined with an inevitable reduction in services due to cuts to our national budget, will place critical pressures on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services’ ability to deliver services to their clients.” Mr Cubillo’s concerns are reinforced by the release of Productivity Commission statistics on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander imprisonment and juvenile detention rates. The latest Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report, released last week, shows rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander imprisonment increased by 57 per cent between 2000 and 2013. “It is scandalous that while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples comprise less than 3 per cent of the Australian population, we now account for almost 30 per cent of the prison population,” Mr Cubillo said. The Abbott government has stripped funding from the peak Aboriginal legal aid organisation and its state affiliates, but has moderated the extent of cuts to services at the coalface following an outcry from the indigenous community. The cuts to NATSILS and all law reform and policy officer positions within each state and territory affiliate will save $9 million over three years. The Coalition went to last year’s election promising cuts of $42m over three years to take effect from this financial year. PHOTO: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services executive officer Eddie Cubillo. Source: News Limited
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:13:42 +0000
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