Expanding Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Legal Services

Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are now receiving access to specialist, culturally safe, family safety legal services through the expanded Family Violence Prevention Legal Services (FVPLS) program.

 

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP said $17 million over two years announced as part of the 2021-22 Budget is now being provided to those on the frontline, increasing funding to 14 existing providers and bringing two more providers online.

 

“The Morrison Government is deeply committed to reducing the scourge of domestic and family violence impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families,” Minister Wyatt said.

 

“This funding will not only enhance the reach and service delivery of our existing FVPLS providers, but it will bring much needed services to more parts of Australia, ensuring Indigenous women have access to tailored legal and other support services when they need it, no matter where they live.

 

“The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) will now deliver the FVPLS program to communities in need across Tasmania, and the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT will service Canberra and the Shoalhaven regions in New South Wales.

 

“Establishing more FVPLS providers means more support, closer to home, so referrals, counselling and advocacy is practical and relevant for each community.”

 

Chief Executive Officer of TALS, Tracey Dillon, said the new program will make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living in Tasmania get the help they desperately need.

 

“TALS looks forward to being able to address the legal needs and facilitating non-legal wrap-around support for victims and survivors of family violence and sexual assault.

 

“At a time of great distress, providing culturally safe legal and non-legal support is critical to empower victim-survivors to lead lives free from the threat and impacts of violence,” Ms Dillon said.