Funds for Citizens' Advice Bureau

5/10/96

Family and Children's Services is to fund the Citizens' Advice Bureau to provide services until mid-1998, enabling the centre to make a valuable long-term contribution that will benefit the community.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today that the department had signed an agreement with the service which guaranteed it $188,916 a year until June 30, 1998.

Mrs Edwardes said the bureau provided vital services for the public, giving people information, advice and referrals to other appropriate agencies.

"This means families and individuals can get help for their specific needs," she said.

"The Citizens' Advice Bureau can give people relevant information and helps them negotiate with various authorities, businesses and agencies.

"There is also a mobile resource unit for isolated and under resourced areas.

"The bureau puts people in touch with local services so they can cope positively with the challenges of daily life."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the agreement for funding of services would enable the agency to provide programs to meet specific needs.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777