Updates

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Government attempting to override Human Rights Charter in name of ‘operational considerations’

July 28, 2026

Government attempting to override Human Rights Charter in name of ‘operational considerations’

Victoria’s community legal centres are raising significant concerns with the Victorian Government’s Corrections Amendment Bill 2026, (“No Air in Prison Bill”) which is set to be introduced in the Legislative Assembly this sitting week.

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Community legal centres aiming for 40% capacity increase as two-thirds of Victorians seeking help are currently being turned away

June 18, 2026

Community legal centres aiming for 40% capacity increase as two-thirds of Victorians seeking help are currently being turned away

Despite the state’s network of community legal centres providing free, quality legal services to more than 75,000 Victorians each year, the increasing need for help means many more are missing out on potentially life-changing support.

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Community legal centres urge the Australian Government to enshrine human rights in law

May 29, 2026

Community legal centres urge the Australian Government to enshrine human rights in law

A Human Rights Act private members Bill has been introduced to the Federal House of Representatives by Andrew Wilkie MP and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP. We welcome this Bill as a powerful tool for challenging injustice, and giving everyone who calls Australia home a better understanding of their human rights and freedoms.

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Positive steps taken to improve child protection system, but more to be done to protect child’s best interests

May 15, 2026

Positive steps taken to improve child protection system, but more to be done to protect child’s best interests

Victorian community legal centres commend the Victorian Government for the passage of the Children, Youth & Families (Stability) Act 2025 (Vic) (the Act), which came into effect today.

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Small legislative change would standardise recommended best practice for personal possession of cannabis – and reduce unnecessary arrests for this low level offence

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.

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