Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Never has there been a greater need to provide support services for vulnerable women experiencing family violence. I recently visited the Women's Legal Service WA, a community legal centre providing services to financially disadvantaged women around WA. I met with chief executive officer Dr Jennie Gray, who explained the main areas of practice were family law, family violence restraining orders and criminal injuries compensation. Additional services include financial counselling, a property legal clinic and regional outreach services.

Last year the Women's Legal Service supported 945 clients. However, demand continues to grow, so increased funding is urgently required. For the 2023 financial year the service incurred a small loss on revenues of $2.26 million. I call upon the federal Attorney-General to commit increased funding resources to the Women's Legal Service to support its highly valuable, ongoing work fulfilling unmet need in our community.