7 December 2016 – Volume 118

News
young people

See you in 2017

This is the last edition of Legal Aid Brief for 2016 and from all of us at Victoria Legal Aid we wish you a safe and restful festive season. We look forward to keeping you up to date with legal aid matters when we return to your in box on Wednesday 1 February 2017.

Youth crime reforms must be balanced with rehabilitation focus

We have welcomed the State Government's announcement that it will provide intensive bail supports and case management services for young offenders across Victoria, while holding concerns that other proposals be carefully balanced with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation.

Read more about why we support proposals that help young people address the underlying causes of their offending.

Test case push for clear National Disability Insurance Agency funding decisions

We are calling for greater clarity around how the National Disability Insurance Agency makes decisions to fund people with a disability who have identified the supports they need to help them live ordinary lives.

Read more about how we are challenging a decision that affects a 21-year-old with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability.

Responding to review of child protection legal aid services vital for regional Victoria

With regional Victoria receiving less legal help with child protection matters than Melbourne despite almost half of all applications being made there, it's critical that country Victorians help us find a solution.

Find out why, and how you can contribute.

Our client Ella Ingram a finalist for Young People's Human Rights Medal

We are thrilled to congratulate our client Ella Ingram on her achievement as a finalist for the Young People's Human Rights Medal.

Family law pilot to ensure vulnerable families don't fall through the cracks

In launching our pilot with the Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Chief Justice Diana Bryant of the Family Court said she thought it had the 'capacity to make a real difference to the lives of many parents.' 

Find out how it will help those experiencing family violence.

Gender strategy a step in the right direction

We welcome Victoria's first Gender Equality Strategy released on Monday 5 December 2016, but warn change won't come in the workplace until employers take their obligations seriously.

Infrastructure works to reduce disadvantage

We have given Infrastructure Victoria our views on how to reduce pressure on the state's justice facilities and address disadvantage at the same time.

Find out from our submission what we think is integral for change.

I agree... 'this is an amazing beginning'

Associate Director Family Violence Leanne Sinclair lauds the State Government's launch of its 10-year plan to end family violence as a 'landmark day'. See why.

Avoid the stress of legal problems, make the call to Legal Help line

Our multilingual Legal Help line is well qualified to assist Victorians with many problems that crop up around the Christmas/New Year period, including child access, family violence intervention orders, infringements and property disputes.

Learn more about how they can help you.

Panel practitioner updates

Criminal appeal timeframes to run over Christmas holiday period

Panel practitioners who work in the appellate jurisdiction are reminded of changes to the Court of Appeal's approach regarding how it calculates time for criminal appeals during the Christmas holiday period.

Read more about the Court of Appeal's approach.

Robot Lawyers – innovation in criminal law and the legal aid system

Developed by Doogue O'Brien George, Robot Lawyers is a free tool to help people who cannot afford a private lawyer and who don't qualify for a grant of legal aid.

Read more about how Robot Lawyers is providing a service where there is currently a gap.

Looking back on the second Independent Children's Lawyer Conference

As the year draws to a close, we acknowledge the work of Independent Children's Lawyers by looking back at their second national conference.

Learn more about the support and resources available for Independent Children's Lawyers nationally.

Shift in focus needed on new child protection laws

Our submission to the Commission for Children and Young People reveals our experience of new child protection laws, and we invite comment on our related legal services.

Read more about our submission to the Child Protection Permanency Amendments Inquiry.

Trial Counsel Development Program now recruiting

Our Trial Counsel Development Program provides unique training opportunities to selected Junior Counsel at the Victorian Bar by partnering them with senior trial advocates.

Applications for the program close 2pm, Friday 16 December.

Read more about the application criteria.

Submission to help people with a disability

Our recent submission to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit Inquiry reveals that poor decision-making by Centrelink and unnecessary barriers are preventing people with significant disability from accessing the disability support pension.

Read more about the five key principles that we believe should inform Centrelink decision-making in relation to the disability support pension.

Community news and notices

Knowledge is power during schoolies

Need to know what the law says about sex, drugs and partying during schoolies? Check out our booklet, Am I Old Enough? for heaps of information that will help you and your friends stay safe and have a great time while celebrating the end of Year 12.

Victoria Against Violence – until 10 December

This public awareness campaign aims to raise awareness of what individuals, families, organisations and government can do to prevent family violence. It will provide the community with opportunities to participate in the discussion, attend events and support those who have experienced family violence.

Read more about Victoria Against Violence.

Victoria Law Foundation Legal Laneway Breakfast – 1 February 2017

Now in its 14th year and organised by the Victoria Law Foundation, the 2017 Legal Laneway Breakfast is a great way to celebrate the start of the legal year, catch up with colleagues and meet new faces in the legal sector.

Read more at Victoria Law Foundation Legal Laneway Breakfast 2017.

Call for Expressions of Interest for Victorian Legal Services Board grants

Expressions of Interest are now being sought for the Victorian Legal Services Board 2017 Grants Funding Round. For this round of grants, preventing women's contact with the criminal justice system has been designated as a priority theme.

Read more at Victorian Legal Services Board Grants Program.

If you have any community news that you would like included in this eNewsletter email editor@vla.vic.gov.au. Items will be published at the editor's discretion.
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