Women’s Legal Services Queensland Annual Legal Profession Breakfast

25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, the Honourable Deb Frecklington MP; Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO, Ms Nadia Bromley; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Aunty Kathryn Fisher, for your Welcome to Country.

I too begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this morning.

It is my pleasure to be joining you over breakfast in a room filled with women who work tirelessly to address legal and social issues affecting some of the most vulnerable people in our state.

Too many Queensland women and children are impacted by domestic and family violence — and too often they lack the means to escape their circumstances.

Women’s Legal Services Queensland, through its dedicated staff and volunteer network, delivers each and every day on its mission to provide accessible legal and social justice to its clients.

This incredible organisation — a lifeline for countless families — is itself supported by a highly skilled and committed management team, comprising its CEO, Chair and Board of Directors.

It is also wonderful to see so many esteemed representatives of the judiciary, the legal industry, academia, and of course our Parliament.

Acting together, we can not only raise awareness around this societal affliction, but also do something about it.

Another major focus for this event, now in its 11^th year, is to lift the number of free legal services for the very substantial number of women who require them in our state.

The Women’s Legal Service Queensland itself assisted over 14,400 women in 2023, with their Statewide Helpline answering over 16,600 calls.

There will be other services doing what they can, however answering every cry for help must sometimes feel like an impossible task.

This morning’s Legal Profession Breakfast Event is held in partnership with the Queensland Law Society and the Bar Association of Queensland, and it is envisioned that it will raise a significant portion of the funding required to support these crucial services.

The Women’s Legal Service Queensland has done the work of identifying a set of priorities that underpin support efforts for vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.

These clients need assistance on account of coercive control, divorce and separation, financial abuse, sexual assault and other situations that bring harm to women.

Child protection and support are also high on the list of concerns for women living in violent or discriminatory households.

However, this morning is also about applauding the Women’s Legal Services Queensland, which is marks its forty-year anniversary this year.

It has remained true to its humble beginnings, with a strong emphasis on a holistic approach in supporting its clients.

Congratulations on this milestone.

I wish the Women’s Legal Services Queensland and all those involved in protecting the women and children of Queensland strength and courage as they continue to seek positive outcomes for all.

Thank you.