December 13, 2024
Family violence has risen six per cent, but family violence legal services strained to meet growing demand for assistance
The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) has reported a six per cent increase in family violence incidents in Victoria in the last financial year, reaching a record high of 98,816 in 2023–24. The rise of incidents involving stalking and harassment, sexual assault, threats or harm to a family pet, controlling or jealous behaviour by the perpetrator, or financial abuse was most stark, with all risk factors increasing by 30 per cent or more.
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November 29, 2024
Eleven bills you should know about
In the final sitting weeks of 2024, the Victorian and Federal Governments have been busily debating legislation before the end of the year.
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November 15, 2024
Federal Government proposes legislation that sows division and will tear families apart
Last week, the Federal Government issued new regulations under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), and introduced a new bill to Parliament. The new measures seek to significantly expand the Government’s broad and unchecked powers to overturn protective provisions designed to protect refugees, and deport people to other countries where they may face serious harm.
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October 25, 2024
Community Legal Centres in Parliament House
Last week, the Federation hosted the inaugural Victorian Community Legal Centre Exhibition in the Queen’s Hall of the Victorian Parliament. Over three days, representatives from 43 Community Legal Centres attended the exhibition, to showcase their work and connect with Victorian parliamentarians.
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September 06, 2024
Community Legal Centres recognise funding announcement as a step in the right direction but are concerned it will only scratch the surface of legal need
Today, National Cabinet announced $3.9 billion in funding for legal assistance over five years, including an uplift for pay parity for the community legal sector. This equates to an additional $800 million to legal assistance over a five-year period when compared to the previous five years. The investment will be shared across four providers of legal assistance (Community Legal Centres, Legal Aid Commissions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services), and it is not yet clear what fraction of the total will be received by Community Legal Centres.
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