Northern Community Legal Service

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:56): My question is to the Attorney-General regarding the Northern Community Legal Service. Will the Attorney-General inform the council about the opening of the new office of the Northern Community Legal Service?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in community legal services. It was a privilege recently to celebrate the opening of the new premise for the Northern Community Legal Service at the end of last year.

The Northern Community Legal Service began back in 1989 as the Para Districts Community Legal Service, with a steering committee made up of people working in the northern communities who recognised the need for free legal assistance in the area. The service was first officially established in 1990, and since then it has helped thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable South Australians in the northern suburbs and the Mid North area gain access to justice.

Every day the dedicated legal team provides critical assistance to individuals and families who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the justice system. Whether it is offering advice on tenancy disputes, guiding someone through the complexities of family law or standing beside a vulnerable person as they face legal challenges, the impact of this work cannot be overstated.

It was a pleasure to join the Northern Community Service Legal team to celebrate the launch of their new office in Salisbury. I want to take this opportunity to commend the management, staff and volunteers at the Northern Community Legal Service. Their efforts often go unseen by many, but they are deeply felt by the individuals and families whose lives they change. They do more than provide legal advice; they offer comfort and empowerment to people to move forward.

Congratulations to all again who were involved in the planning, transition and opening of the new office. It is not only a milestone for the organisation but a significant step forward for the communities across the northern suburbs, ensuring better access to justice, advocacy and support.