Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) condemns the decision of the Government to reject the application for funding made by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service; and

(b) calls on the Government to restore annual funding to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service so that local Indigenous people can be provided with locally based assistance.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There has been a strong community response to the decision to outsource Aboriginal legal support in Tasmania to Victoria. The Tasmanian Aboriginal legal service has been providing legal assistance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community for over 42 years. They have an extraordinary level of experience and knowledge in supporting members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. The Attorney-General's decision not to fund the Tasmanian Aboriginal legal service, who are well regarded by the Tasmanian legal fraternity, is counterproductive. The Tasmanian Aboriginal legal service has cooperated with the Attorney-General's office and have said they will comply with any additional conditions that have been requested. I urge the Attorney-General to reconsider this decision.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Attorney-General's Department undertook an open funding round to test the market and identify the best possible service delivery arrangements for Indigenous Tasmanians delivered through the most cost-effective and culturally appropriate model. Aboriginal legal service of Tasmania was the successful tenderer. ALS of Tasmania will be permanently based in Tasmania with a head office in Hobart, with regional office locations to be determined in consultation with the community. It will employ and be advised by Tasmanians. A Tasmanian advisory council will be established.

Question negatived.