The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) was established as a community owned and controlled co-operative society in 1973 (click here to read about the history of VALS). 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.

2000-2001 Annual Report | 2001-2002 Annual Report