Attorney-General George Brandis in a pre-budget announcement on Monday said that the federal government would inject $55.7 million into the centres over the next three years.

This would see $39 million go towards community legal centres broadly and $16.7 million into Aboriginal legal services.

Tasmania’s five community legal centres were facing 30 per cent cuts from July 1.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said the $55.7 million announcement built on $45 million in additional investment in frontline legal assistance and family law services.

He said the funding allocations between states were yet to be finalised.

Community Legal Centres Tasmania chairwoman Jane Hutchinson said it was unclear whether the funding would be tied to particular programs.

She added it was uncertain whether the federal government had restored funding to the Environmental Defenders Office.

Funding for the EDO was completely cut in July 2014 and has been relying on public donations since.

The state government responded earlier this year to the emerging gap in community legal centre funding by investing $1.2 million into the state’s Women’s Legal Service.

State Labor justice spokeswoman Lara Giddings said the state government’s commitment should remain despite Monday’s announcement.

“This is an issue of social justice ensuring that no matter who you are or what your income is, you can access free legal advice,” she said.

“Many Tasmanians depend on these services to guide them through legal processes.

“It is critical these services remain open and free.”