VALS has expanded its Bail and Remand Court (BaRC) service to strengthen access to Aboriginal-led legal support for First Nations people at the earliest stage of the criminal legal process.
The expansion increases the availability of VALS lawyers and our Client Support Officers (CSOs) across weekdays and weekends, including extended evening coverage. This ensures First Nations clients can access advice, representation and support at the point when bail decisions are being made.
Courts and members of the profession have recognised the importance of culturally informed bail-stage representation, and this expansion strengthens VALS’ ability to provide that support consistently across the week.
Service Availability and Hours
The expanded BaRC service now operates across extended weekday and weekend hours.
Lawyer coverage
• Weekday day shift: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Weekday evening shift: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
• Weekend day shift: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Weekend evening shift: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Client Support Officer coverage
• Weekdays and weekends: 11:00am – 6:00pm
These extended hours mean First Nations people can access Aboriginal led legal support during the periods when bail decisions are most likely to occur – including evenings and weekends, when access has traditionally been more limited.
A distinctive Aboriginal-led model of bail support
A defining feature of VALS’ expanded BaRC service is the inclusion of our Client Support Officers (CSOs) working alongside lawyers as part of the custody and bail-stage response.
This combined approach strengthens bail applications and improves engagement with the court process by ensuring clients receive both legal representation and culturally informed support at the earliest point of contact with the justice system.
CSOs assist by:
• supporting clients to understand court processes and custody procedures
• connecting people with culturally appropriate supports and services
• helping lawyers gather relevant background information quickly for bail applications
• strengthening communication between clients, families and legal teams
This community-controlled model helps courts receive clearer and more complete information earlier, while ensuring First Nations people are supported in a culturally safe way throughout the bail process.
Supporting better outcomes for communities and the justice system
Earlier access to legal representation helps ensure bail decisions are informed by a fuller understanding of a person’s circumstances and support needs. It also strengthens coordination between legal practitioners, courts and community-based services at a critical stage of proceedings.
The expansion reflects VALS’ longstanding role in supporting First Nations people in custody and working alongside courts to improve early access to justice across Victoria.
Quote attributable to Ali Besiroglu, Director of Legal Services, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
“Access to a lawyer at the point a person first comes before the court can make a real difference. Expanding our Bail and Remand Court service means First Nations people can receive Aboriginal led legal support when it matters most, including outside standard court hours.
This expansion strengthens outcomes for our clients, supports families and communities, and reflects VALS’ ongoing commitment to improving early access to justice across Victoria.”