Attorney General Greg Smith SC today launched a new Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) clinic at the Mission Australia Centre (MAC).
The new clinic, which is a partnership between the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), Maddocks law firm and the MAC, will provide free legal advice to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness every Thursday from 12 – 2pm.
HPLS is a project of PIAC and is funded through the NSW Public Purpose Fund and funding from the NSW and Australian Governments. Since its establishment in 2004, HPLS has assisted more than 8000 clients.
‘PIAC is thrilled to provide this additional clinic at the Mission Australia Centre,’ said PIAC CEO, Edward Santow.
‘The new legal clinic builds on the ten HPLS clinics already run by PIAC, which are managed with the pro bono assistance of over 350 commercial lawyers at welfare agencies across Sydney.
‘Last year alone, HPLS lawyers provided advice to more than 1300 clients with a range of legal problems including tenancy, credit card and debt issues, social security, victims compensation and fines.’
‘This would not be possible without the generous support of our partners, and funding from the NSW Government and NSW Public Purpose Fund.’
‘This funding support allows PIAC to leverage approximately $1.95 million in free legal services from commercial law firms and Legal Aid NSW, in order to assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community,’ said Mr Santow.
MEDIA CONTACT: PIAC Media and Communications Officer, Gemma Pearce: 0478 739 280