The funding was allocated to TASC National, which also has offices in Toowoomba, Roma, Goodiwindi and Gympie for 2025-26, as a part of the $3.9-billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30 (NAJP), which commenced earlier this year.
Under the NAJP, Queensland will receive $158.5 million in 2025-26 and this Federal funding is likely to be supplemented by State Government funding.
The NAJP commenced on 1 July and replaced the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-25 (NLAP) under the former Coalition Government, delivering an increase of $800 million over five years from 2025-26 to the legal assistance sector.
This is the largest ever Commonwealth investment in Community Legal Centres, and TASC National’s funding has increased by $276,403 with the commencement of NAJP in 2025-26, compared to 2024-25 funding under the NLAP.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the funding boost and said it would strengthen vital legal assistance and support services provided by TASC, and help to deliver better outcomes for those who need it most.
“As a former lawyer who represented many vulnerable clients, often on a pro bono basis, I know how important access to justice is to ensure people are treated fairly in the legal system, and given a voice and proper representation,” Mr Neumann said.
“The $1.5 million funding from the Albanese Labor Government, an increase of more than $276,000, will ensure that TASC’s essential frontline services can continue to operate and support the most disadvantaged in our community.
“This will help women and children escaping family and domestic violence, work towards Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, help people with tenancy issues to avoid homelessness, reduce future interactions with the justice system, support NDIS clients and improve mental health outcomes.
“TASC’s solicitors and advocates do incredible work to support people who otherwise could not afford private legal services to assist with family, civil, administrative, criminal law and other matters.
“I thank TASC’s many dedicated frontline workers who have been tireless advocates for the community legal sector and for the rights of the thousands of Australians who rely on them every year.”
TASC was established in 1982 and is a long-standing provider of not-for-profit community legal and social justice services in Ipswich and other parts of South West Queensland, and serves over 3,000 people a year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
