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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
March 03, 2026
Reunification of families is always the preferred outcome for children. New legislation could strengthen pathways for bringing families back together.
Victorian community legal centres support the Children, Youth & Families (Stability) Bill 2025 (Vic), which has passed the Assembly and is expected to be debated in the Council this week.
READ MORE
February 20, 2026
Reform that will hold institutions accountable for historic abuse is a win for victim survivors
Community legal centres welcome the passing of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Vicarious Liability for Child Abuse) Bill 2025 in Parliament on 17 February 2026. These reforms reflect a commitment to accountability, fairness, and the dignity of victim survivors of institutional child abuse. We commend the Victorian Government for taking action to address this critical issue.
READ MORE
February 06, 2026
Community legal centres welcome reform that will reduce the risk of misidentification for victim survivors
The Federation of Community Legal Centres (the Federation) welcomes the passing of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Stalking and Other Matters) Act 2025, particularly its focus on tackling misidentification of the predominant aggressor and introducing a minimum age for respondents to Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs).
READ MORE