Community Law Ready For Disability Action Plan
MEDIA RELEASE
November 14, 2019
Implementation
Today’s announcement of the Government’s plan to improve justice services for people with
disability related legal issues in the new Disability Action Plan 2019-2023 is being welcomed by
Community Law Centres o Aotearoa.
“We already have a proposal in front of Government to extend nationwide the free disability related
legal services and activities provided by one of our Community Law Centres, Auckland Disability
Law (ADL). The unmet legal need experienced by Disabled People is substantial and it is vital that
this important part of our community has greater access to justice”, says Community Law Centres o
Aotearoa (CLCA) CEO, Sue Moroney.
“ADL already provides a proven and highly-regarded service from its Auckland base – that needs to
be available to more people nationwide.”
ADL General Manager, Sue Plowman says their service is ready and waiting to provide more
disability related legal services and activities to more people across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We have just celebrated our 10th year anniversary, so we have extensive expertise and knowledge
in providing accessible legal services to Disabled and Deaf People. But we are operating at full
capacity and don’t have the resources to deal with the increasing demand for our services and
activities from across Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Sue Plowman.
“It was great to be involved in the public consultation process that shaped this new Disability Action
Plan. We look forward to playing our part in the Action Plan’s package of comprehensive
government work programmes that will progress the outcomes in the New Zealand Disability
Strategy, including addressing rights protection and justice. Additionally, with increased funding,
we look forward to supporting more people across Aotearoa New Zealand with the disability related
legal issues they encounter.”
The increased funding of Community Law services is one of the commitments in the Coalition
Government Agreement that is yet to be completed.
Media contacts:
Sue Moroney, CEO Community Law Centres o Aotearoa Ph 027 422-731; sue@clca.co.nz
Background
Twenty-four Community Law Centres (including ADL) work out of over 140 locations across New
Zealand to provide free legal help and advice to those who are unable to pay for a private lawyer or
who do not have access to legal aid. This advice covers all aspects of New Zealand’s legal system,
including family law, employment issues, housing problems, consumer advice and criminal law. As
well as around 200 staff, Community Law’s services are boosted by over 1,200 volunteer lawyers
who run clinics and deliver free advice and assistance.
