March 17, 2025
Rushed expansion of police search powers another example of policy that does more harm than good
Today, the Victorian Premier announced a huge expansion of police powers, by extending the Chief Commissioner’s power to declare a designated area for police to search anyone without a warrant or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity from 12 hours to six months. These measures will be introduced through the Terrorism (Community Protection) and Control of Weapons Amendment Bill which is due to be debated in the upper house next week.
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March 12, 2025
Bail reforms must prioritise community safety, not criminalisation – support Poccum’s Law
Victorian community legal centres strongly oppose the Premier’s announcement to overhaul bail laws and reinstate previous laws that were an “unmitigated disaster”, and led to the tragic and preventable death in custody of Aboriginal woman Veronica Nelson.
READ MOREMarch 07, 2025
Rental reform bill passes in win for tenants
The Victorian community legal sector supports the passage of the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill in Victoria, which is a significant positive step towards improving the rights and protections of renters.
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February 05, 2025
Premature review of Victoria’s bail laws is a step in the wrong direction
The Victorian Government has ordered another review of Victoria’s bail laws, which were reformed in March 2024 to be fairer and to reduce recidivism.
The Victorian community legal sector is concerned that reviewing the laws within two years of implementation is premature, as inadequate data and a time lag between implementation of legislation and impact disqualifies objective analysis of the laws.
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January 24, 2025
Community legal centres welcome funding for integrated financial counselling
The Federation commends the Victorian Government’s announcement that it will invest $15 million in the expansion and support of services offered to Victorians who are experiencing financial hardship due to mortgage or rental stress.
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