Updates

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.

March 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.

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.  

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.  

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.