2014 Tim McCoy Award open for nominations

Tim McCoyThe Trustees of the Tim McCoy Trust invite nominations for the 24th annual Tim McCoy Award. The $1000 Award celebrates the life of the late Tim McCoy (1956–1987). It recognises the work of individuals, groups or organisations within the community law or legal aid movement. A particular, but not exclusive focus is the promotion of human rights and justice for socially and economically disadvantaged people in Victoria.

Nominations must be received by no later than 5pm Friday 31 October 2014 (see requirements, criteria and contact details).

The 27th Anniversary Tim McCoy Memorial Dinner will be held on Friday 7 November 2014, and this year will feature as guest speaker, the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass OBE, who will be speaking on ‘What’s the point of complaining?’.

For further information on the award and past winners see our page on the Tim McCoy Award & Dinner.

Police media comments must not prejudge investigation of police shooting fatality, lawyers warn

Comments by Victoria Police reported on ABC Online regarding last night’s fatal police shooting outside the Endeavour Hills police station contravene police guidelines by prejudging the investigation, and highlight the need for the independent investigation of police shootings, said Michelle McDonnell, senior policy adviser at the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres, today. Continue reading

Community organisations congratulate Government on sexual offences changes but warn more is needed to make them work

Twelve peak and specialist community organisations have congratulated the Attorney-General, Robert Clark, on proposed changes to sexual offences law which return to Parliament for debate today.

‘We are delighted that the Government has listened to the views of many advocates and victim/survivors in redefining the offences of rape and sexual assault, and in proposing a new course of conduct offence,’ said Dr Chris Atmore on behalf of the Federation of Community Legal Centres. Continue reading

Community Law News Spring edition out now

In our Community Law News Spring edition, we look at what the National Census results show about Victorian CLCs, we chart the changing context for CLCs both in Victoria and nationally, we introduce new staff and new ways of communicating, and we update you on the Federation’s extensive family violence and Smart Justice advocacy. You’ll also find the latest on sector development, CLC accreditation, our Adaptive Leadership program, and the Law Graduate Scheme. We conclude the issue with a wrap of media activity, including a comprehensive round-up of Federation and Smart Justice media coverage. We hope you will be engaged and informed by this issue, and we welcome your feedback!