Andrews Government can do more to manage the COVID outbreak in Victorian prisons
5 October 2021 Corrections Victoria have announced that 36 people across five of Victoria’s prisons currently have COVID-19. Prisons have a similar risk profile to aged care facilities in terms of the potential for uncontrollable outbreaks. That risk exists for both people in prison and the broader Victorian community given the regular movement of staff. […]
Legal challenge launched to secure fair access to the Age Pension for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Originally published by the Human Rights Law Centre A Federal Court case has been launched against the Morrison Government, seeking fair and equal access to the Age Pension for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Proud Wakka Wakka man Dennis* is bringing a case that will require the Federal Government to face court for the first time in connection with its […]
VALS welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to strengthen anti-vilification laws
2 September 2021 VALS welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement today that they will proceed with legislation to make Victoria a fairer place for everyone. The Victorian Government has committed itself to implementing the recommendations of the Anti-Vilification Protections Inquiry tabled by the Legal and Social Issues Committee in March. VALS worked closely with Charmaine Clarke […]
Webinar – Issue Spotting: Consumer, Credit and Debt Matter – 12 August 2021
Download the invite by clicking here. VALS will be hosting a legal information webinar on Thursday 12 August 2021, from 1pm to 2.30pm. We encourage all mob in Victoria to register if you have questions about consumer issues and how VALS and Consumer Action can help you. Register at tinyurl.com/tzx32c58.
Response to the Victorian Government’s Media Release – Chisholm Road Prison Exceeds Geelong Jobs Target
Quote attributable to Andreea Lachsz, Head of Policy, Communications and Strategy, VALS: The expansion of the carceral system in Victoria should be cause for alarm; it is certainly not something to be celebrated. Building more prisons is evidence of this Government’s failed policies, such as Victoria’s punitive bail laws, which have seen Aboriginal women remanded […]
Webinar – Criminal Law Practice – 6 August 2021
Download the invite by clicking here. VALS will be hosting a legal information webinar on Friday 6 August 2021, from 1pm to 3pm. We encourage all mob in Victoria to register if you have questions about pre-interview and arrest, breaches of Family Violence Intervention Orders and Personal Safety Intervention Orders, DNA at police stations, or young […]
Webinar – Aboriginal Families Practice – 3 August 2021
Download the invite by clicking here. VALS will be hosting a legal information webinar on Tuesday 3 August 2021, from 1pm to 3pm. We encourage all mob in Victoria to register if you have questions about Family Violence Intervention Orders, Child Abduction, or Parenting Orders. You can register at http://tinyurl.com/h5cx6he8.
The Harms of Solitary Confinement – Webinar
Registration Link: tinyurl.com/UVJHoSCDate: Wednesday 11 August 2021Time: 5pm to 6pm ESTLocation: Zoom Download the PDF invite here for biographies on panellists. What is solitary confinement, and how, when and why is it usually used? Is there a right to healthcare in prisons, and what sort of care is provided in practice? What do we know […]
Leadership from the Andrews Government required after the Commonwealth Government turns its back on crucial recommendations by UN nations
9 July 2021 Yesterday, the Commonwealth Government rejected a raft of recommendations made by UN nations, including recommendations to raise the age of criminal responsibility. With the Commonwealth Government’s leadership failure in regard to raising the age, it is time for Victoria to stop dragging its heels. The ACT has already committed to raising the […]
Coronial Inquest into the death of Raymond Noel Lindsay Thomas draws to a close
2 July 2021 Today, the last day of the two-week Coronial Inquest into the death of Raymond Noel, started with a smoking ceremony in the morning, before closing submissions. In the middle of the Coronial Inquest, last Friday, Raymond Noel’s family marked the four-year anniversary of his death. That is a long time to wait, […]