Putting under-trained PSOs in shopping centres with handguns is a danger to us all
The introduction of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2025 to the Victorian Parliament has caused distress among community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services. Community legal centres strongly oppose the expansion of Protective service officers’ powers. We have been blindsided by these announcements, with no consultation on the plan to expand […]
Boundaries are one thing Premier, giving children life sentences shows Victoria is a cruel and unforgiving state
VALS strongly condemns the Victorian government’s introduction of inhumane youth legal reforms which will see tougher sentencing laws including children being sentenced to life. It is clear the government holds no hope for young people who make mistakes and instead require targeted support at a critical time to change the trajectory of their young lives. […]
Treaty is the only path forward
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service supports Treaty. On Tuesday as the Statewide Treaty Bill was debated in Parliament, the Liberal party announced not only that they would repeal it within the first 100 days if elected next November but that their proposed model would instead establish a new advisory body, that would sit within a […]
Primary school aged children still held criminally responsible, hardly the headline of a progressive government.
Aboriginal children should grow up with their family in safe and nurturing homes, connected to their culture and community, be supported to go to school, and learn from their mistakes so they can thrive. Today the Youth Justice Act 2024 will commence – meaning the criminal age of responsibility in Victoria has risen from 10 […]
Heartfelt, moving and impactful: The family of Clinton Austin show strength as they read their coronial impact statements in court.
Quotes Attributable to Shaun Austin, brother of Clinton Austin: “My name is Shaun Austin. I am the elder twin brother of Clinton. I have already given a statement to the court about Clinton, who he was, what it was like growing up together, and what happened in his life leading to his passing. It’s hard […]
Heather Calgaret’s life was precious, and her passing was preventable: Coroner delivers damning findings around prison healthcare and parole systems
After almost four years since the tragic passing of Heather Calgaret, following an incredibly painful and burdensome journey for her family, Coroner Sarah Gebert has delivered the findings and recommendations from the coronial inquest into Heather’s passing. Today the Coroner found that not only was Heather’s passing preventable, but that she should not have passed […]