June 18, 2026
Community legal centres aiming for 40% capacity increase as two-thirds of Victorians seeking help are currently being turned away
Despite the state’s network of community legal centres providing free, quality legal services to more than 75,000 Victorians each year, the increasing need for help means many more are missing out on potentially life-changing support.
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May 29, 2026
Community legal centres urge the Australian Government to enshrine human rights in law
A Human Rights Act private members Bill has been introduced to the Federal House of Representatives by Andrew Wilkie MP and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP. We welcome this Bill as a powerful tool for challenging injustice, and giving everyone who calls Australia home a better understanding of their human rights and freedoms.
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May 15, 2026
Positive steps taken to improve child protection system, but more to be done to protect child’s best interests
Victorian community legal centres commend the Victorian Government for the passage of the Children, Youth & Families (Stability) Act 2025 (Vic) (the Act), which came into effect today.
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May 13, 2026
Small legislative change would standardise recommended best practice for personal possession of cannabis – and reduce unnecessary arrests for this low level offence
The Federation of Community Legal Centres supports the motion tabled by Legalise Cannabis Victoria to legislate the Victoria Police practice of making cautions the default option for personal possession of cannabis. This is an issue where we believe the response should be set by legislation, not left to individual discretion — ensuring consistency and reducing unnecessary arrests.
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May 05, 2026
Cost of living relief welcome – but Victorian budget misses opportunities to expand successful community legal centre programs
Victorians will welcome the cost of living relief contained in the Victorian Budget 2026/7, which purports to make life easier, safer and more affordable for Victorians. Yet this budget does little to enhance the crucial services community legal centres provide to help Victorians understand their rights and responsibilities – and access justice – which speak to this year’s budget aims whilst also making our State fairer and stronger.
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