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.
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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.
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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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