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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August 21, 2024
Youth Justice Bill a step forward, but further reform needed
The Victorian Legislative Council passed the Youth Justice Bill last Thursday in a late night sitting, with a number of amendments. The Bill will return to the Legislative Assembly in two weeks, where it is expected to pass without further amendments.
The Federation welcomes the Youth Justice Bill as a step in the right direction towards a youth justice system that is fair. However, we note that several areas of concern remain. We will continue to work with government to create positive change for children and young people who come into contact with the criminal legal system.
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