Legal services for Aboriginal Tasmanians will be based locally for the first time in four years from July 1, but there appears to be a lack of clarity around the choice and funding of the service.
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Since the Commonwealth stripped the service from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in 2015, it has been run by Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, which established the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service.
From July 1, a new partnership agreed to with the Commonwealth by all states and territories will begin, allowing the service to be Tasmanian-based again.
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A spokesperson for Attorney-General Christian Porter said the states and territories would become responsible for allocating the funding to Aboriginal legal services as part of the arrangement.
"Consistent with the principles of self-determination, the Australian Government has worked with the Tasmanian Government, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance, to create a Tasmanian-based, community-controlled organisation to deliver legal services in Tasmania," the spokesperson said.
But Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer said this process occurred independent of the Tasmanian Government.
"Through a direct arrangement with the current provider, external to the state government, a new proposed administrative arrangement is being considered by the Commonwealth whereby Tasmania will have its own service, not auspiced through a Victorian organisation," she said.
"This is a process that has been instigated independent of the state government and involved discussions between the current service provider, the Commonwealth and TRACA."
TRACA was the organisation chosen to administer the service.
TRACA co-chair Rodney Dillon said he remained hopeful of having the funding delivered by July 1.
The TAC was not invited to participate in the process, angering Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chair Michael Mansell.
He said there should have been an "open and transparent process" and that little to no consultation had occurred, including with clients in need of legal assistance.
Mr Mansell said he had raised the issue with the government on multiple occasions but had not received a response.
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
