MPannounces legal boost for migrants

A PROJECT designed to provide legal advice to migrant communities in Melbourne’s south-east has received a $41,000 grant from the Legal Services Board.
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls announced the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre would use the money to help migrant community members understand their rights and responsibilities under the Australian legal system.
“The centre will advise people on family law, family violence, Victorian and community legal aid, the court system and Victoria Police through group work and question-and-answer sessions with guest speakers,” Mr Hulls said.
“The project will enable people, who do not speak English as a firstlanguage, to understand and access vital legal services when they need it most.”
Dandenong Labor MP John Pandazopoulos said the Migrant Resource Centre was a tremendous asset to the area because it provided access to justice services for some of the most vulnerable people of the community, including Sudanese and Afghan refugees.
“The centre has been doing invaluable work in the community for 14 years and this project will be another contribution that will make a difference to the lives of people who have recently settled in Australia,” he said.
Eight legal community and educational projects have received grants totalling $290,000 in a new round of funding from the board.
The grants program is funded by the Public Purpose Fund, which is administered by the board.
All projects must be carried out within one year and are subject to an evaluation during and after the project.