Victoria Legal Aid

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Any changes should focus on tackling the causes of crime, and reducing the disproportionate impact the criminal system has on First Nations people in Victoria.

There is clear evidence about what works to reduce offending rates and this should be the focus if changes are being considered by the state government.

Any consideration of changes to Victoria’s bail laws or other related laws and policies must include meaningful consultation with the legal assistance sector, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and the Aboriginal Justice Caucus. legalaid.vic.gov.au/government-mus…

If you’re renting and a fire, storm or flood damages your home, let your landlord know. If your home is unsafe, it must be repaired ASAP! If you receive a notice to vacate, you should get legal advice. Get free information or a referral from Disaster Legal Help: 1800 113 432

However, this can only be effective if we achieve the main goal of ending the use of seclusion and restraint. To read more about the 'Being Believed, Being Heard' project, visit legalaid.vic.gov.au/hearing-and-be…

The @MHWC_Vic report and this article highlight the importance of listening and responding to consumer complaints, and particularly of consumer voice and expertise informing and leading systems and culture change.

Every participant we spoke with, through the 'Being Believed, Being Heard' project, who had experienced seclusion and restraint echoed these concerns. theage.com.au/national/victo…

Bushfires, floods and storms can cause people to lose documents or have problems getting their houses fixed. Other legal problems can get worse too. If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person living in Victoria, @thevalsmob can help vals.org.au/disaster-recov…

Learn more about underinsurance: disasterlegalhelp.org.au/insurance

Home, car, and contents insurance is a good first step in disaster preparation. But are you covered for bushfires, storms and floods? Are you insured for an amount that helps you replace everything you own and repair or rebuild your home?

"Everyone deserves the right to get an education, it's a basic human right and children and young people in out-of-home care deserve the same opportunities as their peers" - Jackie, Youth Council member. Read the full story: abc.net.au/news/2025-01-0…

In our practice, we have seen the benefits to our First Nations clients who come before the Koori Court, and we back its expansion state-wide so that the court can provide a more holistic and culturally safe space for First Nations families. abc.net.au/news/2024-12-1…

Elly has broad-ranging experience as a legal, regulatory and public policy professional. She is currently a Commissioner appointed to Victoria’s Essential Services Commission.

We’re pleased to announce that Elly Patira has been appointed to the VLA Board. legalaid.vic.gov.au/elly-patira-ap…

To address the multiple failures of the system, we continue to call for change, including giving full effect to self-determination so that #FirstNations kids and families get the support they need and want

Victoria's #ChildProtection services must be urgently reformed. abc.net.au/news/2024-12-1…

In our practice, we regularly see people who are unsafe and in need of protection being misidentified by police. This can have far-reaching and intersecting impacts on people’s lives and other legal issues, like child protection or family law. abc.net.au/news/2024-12-1…

We are pleased to announce that our Board, with the approval of the Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes MP, have appointed Toby Hemming as our chief executive officer. Toby starts in the role on 17 February 2025. Read the full announcement: legalaid.vic.gov.au/we-are-pleased…

This case demonstrates the harsh impacts of the government’s 'cancel first, talk later' mandatory visa cancellation policy. We support calls in our sector for the policy’s repeal.

We welcome the landmark decision by the High Court of Australia that a notice of a visa cancellation is not valid when the recipient lacks legal capacity to respond to that notice. legalaid.vic.gov.au/high-court-rul…