As of 1st May 2025, VALS will increase its means test threshold to $117,194. We will now be able to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people where the primary…

Community legal centres welcome the passage of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill through the Victorian Parliament upper house with amendments to strengthen how it will work…

Last night’s budget shows where on the priority list Aboriginal peoples are. Prime Minister Albanese is pursuing popular votes for the upcoming election, rather than showing leadership on the issues…

Statement attributable to Shaun Austin, brother of Clinton Austin: “My name is Shaun Austin. I am a Gundijtmara and Wiradjuri man. I am Clinton’s twin brother. I’m also here with our family…

Bail saves lives, but early this morning the Allan Government rammed through dangerous and discriminatory bail laws which will deeply harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and breach human…

Today, VALS alongside 92 representatives of ACCOs, community services, family violence and legal sectors stand together to launch our open letter ‘Bail Saves Lives: Poccum’s Law is the Way Forward’.  …

VALS condemns the Allan government’s knee-jerk announcements that it wishes to return to the mistakes of the past and reintroduce the worst of Victoria’s previous bail laws. Victoria’s previous bail…

I thank the Committee for the opportunity to speak about this important issue on behalf of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.  Before I begin, I’ll start by acknowledging the Wurundjeri…

Premier Allan’s announcement of a premature review into Victoria’s bail law reforms is proof that her Government cares more about polling numbers than keeping our communities safe.  Only 10 months…

Michael Suckling was a proud Aboriginal man and loving father, brother and son. Michael was known for his sense of humour and loved having a laugh with his family and…