Victoria must not wait to act on bail reform
14 December 2021 It has been 200 days since VALS and over 50 other human rights, legal, and community organisations wrote to the Andrews Government about the need for urgent bail reform. 200 days later, the Andrews Government has remained committed to an uncompromising and harsh law and order approach that has a devastating impact […]
Victoria’s Politicians must Support Aboriginal legal services and a better justice system at 2022 election
The 2022 election is an opportunity for Victoria’s politicians to dream big and commit to policies that will deliver for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the immediate and longer terms. The Treaty process and the establishment of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission by the Victorian Government has the potential to deliver a better future […]
Opening comments to the Inquiry into Victoria’s Criminal Justice System
Delivered by George Selvanera, Acting CEO, on Thursday 21 October 2021 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Thank you very much Chair. First let me acknowledge that I am coming to you today from our offices in Melbourne on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people. I pay respect to their elders, past, present and emerging and of […]
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.