The opposition spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs has welcomed the federal government’s funding of the Custody Notification Service (CNS) in New South Wales.
The CNS reportedly costs more than half a million dollars annually and the service was due to wind-up at the end of the year due to funding restrictions.
The Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion this week announced a $1.8 million boost to New South Wales and ACT Aboriginal Legal Service and is urging the two jurisdictions to share the cost of supporting the service.
New South Wales Attorney-General, Gabrielle Upton has rejected the idea of supporting the service with Mr Scullion now looking at ways to redivert the state's existing funding back into the program.
Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Shayne Neumann says the service should never have been in jeopardy.
Image: Honourable Shayne Neumann MP – Opposition Spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs