Victoria takes overdue step to decriminalise begging
Today, the Legislative Council passed an amendment introduced by Legalise Cannabis member Rachel Payne to decriminalise the offence of ‘begging and gathering alms’. This amendment to the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was supported by the Carroll Labor government, the Greens, Animal Justice Party and the Libertarians. With the Bill’s passing, the criminal offence of […]
Family of Joey Thurston begin their journey towards truth and justice
Joey Thurston was a much-loved father, friend, son and brother. His connections to his family were deep-rooted. His loved ones remember him as a family-oriented person who was always enthusiastic to organise family events to bring everyone together. He was an avid Hawthorn Football Club supporter. Joey was only 37 years old when he passed […]
Two police officers charged following IBAC investigation into arrest of young Aboriginal man
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) welcomes the announcement this week that IBAC has criminally charged two police officers involved in an arrest of our client, Wade, in August 2025. VALS are proud to be representing Wade, a young Aboriginal man, as he seeks justice and accountability for what happened to him. VALS’ Wirraway Police […]
VALS launches Open Letter: Government must stop the legal loophole putting Aboriginal lives at risk.
Today, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) along with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, Koorie Youth Council, Federation of Community Legal Centres, Human Rights Law Centre and Youthlaw, have launched an Open Letter to the Victorian Government urgently calling on them to end the cruel and inhumane transfers and treatment of people detained in police custody […]