Granting Bail Saves Lives: Poccum’s Law is the only 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 laws were an ‘unmitigated disaster’ that directly lead to the tragic and preventable death of proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman […]
Parliamentary Inquiry into the Regulation of Cannabis – Introductory Speech by VALS – Ali Besiroglu, Director of Legal Services
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 Woiwurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land that I am on today and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. We […]
Granting bail saves lives: Premier’s review shows blatant disregard for Aboriginal communities
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 ago, Victoria’s bail reforms came into effect. These reforms were the result of extensive advocacy from Aboriginal communities, legal experts and the family of Veronica […]
Coroner calls yet again for Aboriginal Health Organisations to take control of ‘fragmented’ prison health care
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 mates. Michael enjoyed being active outdoors. Michael tragically died at Ravenhall Prison on 7 March 2021 leaving his family, friends and community devastated. On 24 […]
Statements in relation to findings from the Coronial Inquest into the passing of Baby L
Please find below statements in relation to findings from the Coronial Inquest into the passing of Baby L. Mother of Baby L “I have spent over five years waiting for answers about why my daughter passed away. I feel disappointed and heartbroken that the Coroner didn’t give me that closure. The grief only gets harder […]
Business as usual isn’t good enough – Aboriginal people deserve more from the Victorian Government
Aboriginal communities in Victoria deserve better. That is why Victoria has been walking the path to Truth and Treaty. The path is not easy and requires the full commitment of government. Since its establishment, the Yoorrook Justice Commission has heard clear and ample evidence that Aboriginal self-determination is the way forward for our communities. Yet […]
Annual General Meeting 2023-24
Date: 22nd November 2024Time: 11:00am-1:00pmLocation: Online (see AGM notice below for details) There are 5 Board positions to be elected. Nomination forms are below. Click here to download the Notice of the Annual General Meeting. Click here to download a membership form. Click here to download a Board Member nomination form. Click here to download […]
Journey to Justice for Marley Wright begins today
Marley Wright-Martin was a 27 year old Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Yuin, Monero, Tharawal, and Wadawurrung man who should be alive today. On 4 September 2024, Marley passed away in custody at Port Phillip Prison in Victoria. Marley’s death is currently being investigated by the Coroner’s Court of Victoria, who held a Directions Hearing today […]
VALS supports the right to protest and condemns Victoria Police’s response to anti-war protests
VALS supports the right of all people to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The right to protest sits at the heart of our democracy and is protected under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. VALS has serious concerns about Victoria Police’s response to the anti-war demonstration yesterday, 11 September 2024, outside the Land […]
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Left Behind By Federal Government
Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person should be able to access culturally safe legal services if they choose to, but that will not be possible due to the shoddy decision by the Federal Labor Government to leave VALS severely underfunded. VALS calls on Anthony Albanese and Mark Dreyfus to fully fund Aboriginal Legal Services […]
Youth Justice Act the foundation for more change
VALS calls on Victorian politicians to commit to creating a youth justice system focused on providing children with the opportunities and support they need to build a better life for themselves. Overnight the Legislative Council passed the Youth Justice Bill that will help reduce the overpolicing and overincarceration of Aboriginal children. VALS looks forward to […]
The Victorian Government’s Treachery Will Continue The Overincarceration Of Aboriginal Children
“White promises can disappear, just like writing in the sand.” Today Premier Jacinta Allan announced that the government has reneged on specific and solid promises to raise the age to 14 years old by 2027. It’s clear, by this example of weak leadership and regressive decision making by the Victorian Government that they write their […]
Successful bail reforms prove more can be done
Fairer bail laws passed by the Victorian Parliament last year are already having a positive impact – allowing more people to access the supports they need while remaining connected to their loved ones and community. The Victorian Government should implement Poccum’s Law in full so that more of our people can stay safe. Remand data […]
Closure of two prisons a recognition of state violence towards Aboriginal peoples
VALS welcomes the announcement of the closure of Port Phillip and Dhurringile Prisons. Prisons represent sites of significant harm and suffering for our people. They do not rehabilitate people and they do not make communities safer. VALS contends that the two sites should be recommissioned and decolonised, the Victorian government should support Aboriginal communities to […]
Allan government fulfils long-awaited promise on Youth Justice Bill
After years of consultation and negotiations with the legal sector and key stakeholders, the Allan Labor Government today introduced a Youth Justice Bill to Victorian Parliament. VALS welcomes the introduction of the Bill as it fulfils Labor’s promise to better protect our children and young people. After a number of failed promises and senseless delays […]