The
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) was established as a community
owned and controlled co-operative society in 1973. VALS plays an
important role in providing legal aid and assistance to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people, and maintains a strong client
service focus.
VALS is actively involved in community development, research and
law reform. VALS strives to:
(a) Promote social justice for Indigenous Australians;
(b) Promote the right of Indigenous Australians to empowerment,
identity and culture;
(c) Ensure that Indigenous Australians enjoy their rights, are
aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access
to appropriate advice, assistance and representation;
(d) Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Indigenous Australians
in the criminal justice system, and;
(e) Promote the review of legislation and other practices which
discriminate against Indigenous Australians.
VALS head office
is in Melbourne, and there are 6 regional offices located at Bairnsdale,
Heywood,
Mildura,
Morwell,
Shepparton
and Swan Hill.
Membership
is open to all Indigenous people resident in Victoria aged 18 and
over. Members may participate in General meetings and attend committee
meetings as observers. Prospective members must complete a membership
form and pay a $1 application fee, and a $1 share purchase fee.
Members elect
seven Indigenous people to the Board
of Directors at the Annual General Meeting. The Board,
which meets monthly, is responsible for the operation of the organisation.
The
internal management consists of the Chief Executive Officer, who
is responsible for the day to day operation of the organisation.
The CEO is supported by three Executive Officers, each responsible
for the operations of the Legal Practice Unit, Research, Planning
& Development Unit, and the Corporate and Financial Services
Unit.
VALS
is made up of four departments.
• Legal Practice. Overseen by the Executive Legal Officer,
the unit consists of Criminal Solicitors, Civil Solicitors, Family
Law Solicitors, and Legal Secretaries.
• Research, Planning and Development. Consists of an Executive
Officer, a Research Officer, and a Community Education Legal Project
Worker.
• Corporate and Financial Services. Comprising of the Executive
Officer and an Administration Officer.
• Client Support. There are 6 Client Support Offices operating
in each of the regions, and 4 in the metro area.
VALS
is funded by the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Commission.
At times, additional funding for short term projects is secured.
Annual Report 2000-2001 |
Annual Report 2001-2002 | Annual
Report 2002-2003 | Annual
Report 2003-2004
