Commenting on the story: Justice denied: Pro bono service axed after Government cuts funding

This is just a continuation of a cycle that has been occurring for a number of years.

Community Legal Centres provide an invaluable resource to plug the gaps in the civil law section which Legal Aid does not cover.

Having been involved in the Community Legal Sector for a number of years, I have seen first hand the difference it makes to peoples lives.

The cost of justice is out of reach for most people, not to mention it is a daunting process for those unfamiliar with it.

Community Legal Centres provide a service that allow people access to legal advice from mainly volunteer lawyers who assist them with self representation, dispute resolution, drafting correspondence and the emotional side of a dispute.

For years both State and Federal Governments have reduced funding available, but made no reforms to fill the gaps left behind.

If the State Government wants to continue to dismantle these services, they need to fully fund an alternative service, and also reform the court system to make it more accessible.

A good start would be to expand the scope of the SACAT tribunal to deal with small claims, consumer disputes, fencing and other common forms of minor litigation. – Julian Thompson

No empathy here if you are poor!

“It required just $65,000 of annual government assistance to continue operating.”

Really, Vickie! Hang your head in shame.

You enjoyed the photo shoot opportunity and despite the necessary benefits to those who need it, coupled with an estimated savings to the government of $240,000, refused a paltry $65,000 in assistance. Reminds me of the Keith Hospital situation.

Please practice what you preach when you, as a pre-election Shadow Attorney-General, proclaimed that “we have no intention of cutting them off”. 

The cabinet members should have had the compassion and foresight to over-ride your decision.

Please reverse this most uncaring decision. – Andrew Satterley

Penny pinching in legal aid services is disgraceful. Look closer to home.

How much money could have been saved if Labor’s vaunted EPAS and new RAH came in on budget.

These areas should be examined and never repeated by the new government.

Look for savings in government departments and projects. – Mike Lesiw

Commenting on the story: $20m to kickstart Australian waste recycling industry

I’m trying to understand these two figures:

(a) at the moment Australia spent $2.8 billion exporting nearly 4.5 million tonnes of waste last year.

(b) $20m has been allocated at Federal level to try to sort out the mess within Australia.

If we were spending $2.8b on exporting it, don’t we now have a huge pot of money to spend on dealing with it ourselves? – Cathy Chua

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