Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington knows what it’s like to receive a late-night phone call from someone needing legal help.
The Minister for Justice was once the only female solicitor practising in the South Burnett, setting up her own firm in Kingaroy in 2010, and becoming the “go-to pro-bono lawyer” for caring locals seeking legal advice for desperate people.
She reflected on the importance of the services that community legal organisations provide as keynote speaker at Thursday night’s Suncoast Community Legal Service (SCLS) Wine Dinner fundraiser, hosted by Travis Schultz & Partners at Bokarina.
“One of the most important lessons that immediately stood out to me was the vital role that community legal organisations play, especially when you practise in a place that doesn’t have one,” she told the audience of more than 200 Sunshine Coast practitioners.
“The organisations have really recognised the needs of those locals and where they need the most help, regardless of their background and financial means.
“The sector is a trusted lifeline, especially in a state that is so large and widespread like Queensland, and we know that while organisations like Suncoast Community Legal are at their heart a legal service, their support wraps around clients to help address many non-legal needs.
“Their work supports a fairer, more accessible justice system which is something that is very close to my heart, and makes a world of difference to your clients.”
The Minister’s strong drive for better access to justice for rural and regional communities follows her legal experience in Kingaroy, the region she now represents as the Member for Nanango after being elected in 2012.
The event was hosted by Travis Schultz.
“I have witnessed firsthand the critical role these services play,” she said reflecting back to 2010 before she entered the Queensland Parliament.
“I was so proud to fight for a dedicated legal hotline for support for rural and regional women who were suffering.
“There was always a night-time phone call from many people that I know all of you in this room that practise have had before, a concerned community member who rings you and says, ‘my friend needs help’.
“They wanted me to provide urgent legal advice and assistance to someone who was desperately in need. I had also taken many calls from the Queensland Women’s Legal Service who would ask me to go and assist someone locally.
“So I knew the system could be improved if people could get my number and call me; wouldn’t it be wonderful if for rural and regional Queensland we could have a hotline?”
Once elected, she worked to secure community legal funding and was instrumental in getting a rural and regional hotline for the Queensland Women’s Legal Service.
More than 200 people supported the event.
Fast forward 10-12 years and the Attorney-General continues her focus on securing state and federal funding for access to justice, and spreading the importance of fundraisers such as Thursday’s event.
“This is where it’s get lumpy because Noela (SCLS President L’Estrange) will say it’s never enough and I agree and that’s why we need nights like tonight,” she said.
“We are all here tonight to show our appreciation for an organisation that has worked tirelessly on behalf of people on the Sunshine Coast for over 40 years.
“And I know that justice is something that no one in this room takes for granted, so I would like start by thanking the Suncoast Community Legal Service for your legal help, your guidance and to support to those who would have otherwise gone without.”
Keep an eye on Proctor for an update on fundraising efforts and photo gallery.
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