Building a better system for mental health | Meet our new criminal law managers

14 October 2020 – Volume 206

It's Mental Health Week. Learn more about the experiences of people in the mental health system, and watch a video celebrating the 5-year anniversary of Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA).

Panel practitioner updates

Increase to interpreter disbursement

Backdated to 1 October 2020, the maximum limit for the interpreter disbursement is being raised from $600 to $2,200 (incl GST). If this limit is exceeded, you can still apply for an extension as needed.

Read about the changes.

Have your say on the child protection duty lawyer guidelines

In March 2019 we implemented new child protection duty lawyer guidelines to establish a consistent and transparent service and eligibility criteria for children and families in the child protection system.

We are committed to regularly reviewing the operation of the guidelines. Please complete the survey by Friday 23 October to provide your feedback.

People doing legal aid work

Screenshot of video meeting of the nine member of Victoria Legal Aid's criminal law management and policy team

Meet the new criminal law management appointees

With Trieu Huynh and Guillaume Bailin recently appointed as magistrates, Matthew Phillips as a judicial registrar and Anoushka Jeronimous moving to WestJustice, our criminal law program management team, led by executive director Dan Nicholson, has a new look.
Meet the new team.

News

Illustration of three people holding hands, standing on different levels of stepped blocks. Text reads ‘Our roadmap for mental health system reform'

Building a better system for people experiencing mental health issues

We have a vision of a mental health system that puts people and their rights at its centre, and a society that supports people to live well in our community.

As the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System continues, we're releasing a new summary of our 57 recommendations to achieve this vision and some new stories from people with a lived experience of mental health issues.

Brendan's story illustrates why everyone facing compulsory treatment should have the option of accessing help from IMHA.

Listen to Tommy explain the importance of peer support in the mental health system.

Watch a discussion with clinicians and consumer advocates about improving the mental health system

IMHA marked its fifth birthday with an online event reflecting on its achievements and discussing how consumer rights and leadership can be progressed, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch a video of the event.

Continuing essential legal services and safeguarding Victorians during COVID-19

Our 2019–20 quarter four report shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service demands and the justice system.

Justice sector prepares for easing of restrictions

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria has recently issued two new practice directions in preparation to resume adjourned hearings in both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.

Read more in the latest COVID-19 justice sector updates.

Community news and notices

Leadership opportunity at Consumer Action Law Centre

Consumer Action Law Centre is recruiting for a Director of Legal Practice to lead its team providing telephone advice services, advocacy and strategic litigation across a range of consumer issues.

Find out more about this opportunity to help make life easier for Australians experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.

Human rights under COVID – a Victoria Law Foundation panel discussion

The COVID-19 restrictions have put our human rights in the spotlight. We are all living with tension between our rights as individuals and our responsibilities as members of our community.

The Victorian Law Foundation is running a panel discussion on 20 October on the impact and implications of COVID-19 on our human rights at The Law and You Forum.

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

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This newsletter is authorised by Victoria Legal Aid, 570 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000.

Victoria Legal Aid operates on Aboriginal country throughout Victoria. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and respect their continuing connections to land, sea and community.

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