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Law reform submissions

Drawing on the experiences of its member centres, the Federation makes submissions to a range of reviews by government and law reform bodies. Use the options below to either conduct a search of the law reform submissions, or browse by category by selecting a category from the list.

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What's new

Listed below are the ten most recent law reform submissions to be uploaded.

On track to fairer fares and fines A position paper of the Federation's Infringements Working Group making seven recommendations in pursuit of a more just and equitable public transport fares and fines system. Public transport plays a critical role helping people access services, education, employment and community life. As it stands, however, Victoria’s public transport system, including the ticketing infringement framework, is unfair, has a discriminatory impact on a number of vulnerable and already disadvantaged groups, and compounds hardship and poverty – sometimes adding to a raft of legal and financial problems and exacerbating the situation of people already in challenging circumstances.	Published (18-04-2016)	988kb

Joint submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review This submission was jointly prepared by the Federation’s Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group (CDCLEWG) and Victoria Legal Aid through the Community Legal Education Program. In summary, it submits that: the provision of community legal education is a central and integral part of the work of an accessible legal sector community legal education is most likely to be effective when informed by legal service delivery and tailored to meet community need while there may be a perception of duplication in the provision of community legal education (CLE), generally what is described as duplication is variation or modification to better address the needs of the target audience given the relatively small investment in CLE, any examples of duplication are not material.	Published (11-03-2016)	1.1mb

Submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review The Federation welcomes the Victorian Government’s Access to Justice Review, and the opportunity to identify improvements that can be made at a state level to address the access to justice crisis. This submission articulates some key points the Federation thinks are important for the Review Team to consider. These are intended to summarise and complement the points made in the submissions of our member centres, as well as to represent the agreed positions of the Federation as a whole. This submission should be read in conjunction with the joint submission of the Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group of the Federation and Victoria Legal Aid.	Published (11-03-2016)	609kb

Submission: 2015 Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) Since its introduction, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) has resulted in a greater capacity to negotiate good outcomes for community legal centre clients when dealing with public authorities. The Charter has also led to a number of improvements in government procedure, policy and practice and has seen the human rights impacts of new legislation more clearly articulated in the public domain. We believe that the Charter has led to significant improvements but that the Charter’s potential is yet to be realised. This eight year review affords the Victorian Government an ideal opportunity to make further, incremental amendment to strengthen the Charter, to take the next steps down the path towards full realisation of human rights in Victoria.	Published (15-06-2015)	409kb

Tracking Protective Services Officers: Insights from the first 3 years This report documents cases of Protective Services Officers exceeding their powers by demanding personal information from commuters without legal justification and where no offence has been committed, forcibly searching commuters who do not comply, and using excessive force in a range of circumstances, including against vulnerable people. Recommendations include the removal of firearms from PSOs, requiring PSOs to request personal information only when legally justified, better public reporting and independent monitoring of use of force by PSOs and of the fines they issue, and greater flexibility for Victoria Police to deploy PSOs where they are most needed, rather than deploying them on every station, including those where little or no crime occurs.	Published (09-06-2015)	595kb

Submission to the Inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations This submission is provided by the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC), Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services Inc (QAILS), Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria, Community Legal Centres Tasmania, CLC NSW and EDONQ. The first five of these organisations represent the interests of community legal centres (including Environmental Defenders’ Offices - EDOs) across Australia, and recommend that there is no change to the administration of the Register of Environmental Organisations because it is already transparent and effective. That is, the Register currently fulfils its aim adequately.	Published (20-05-2015)	246kb

Letter to Attorney-General re Jury Directions Bill 2015	Published (09-04-2015)	99kb

Submissions on the proposed Uniform Legal Profession Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categories of Rules – the Legal Profession Conduct Rules (Developed by the Law Council of Australia) and the General Uniform Rules (which are the responsibility of the new uniform regulator, the Legal Services Council). Our submissions focus on areas related to the practice of law within community legal centres, and issues arising from our client group’s interaction with the private profession (such as when our clients they are subject to debt recovery action).	Published (29-01-2015)	208kb

Submission on the Proposed Legal Profession Conduct Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categories of Rules – the Legal Profession Conduct Rules (Developed by the Law Council of Australia) and the General Uniform Rules (which are the responsibility of the new uniform regulator, the Legal Services Council). Our submissions focus on areas related to the practice of law within community legal centres, and issues arising from our client group’s interaction with the private profession (such as when our clients they are subject to debt recovery action).	Published (29-01-2015)	197kb

Putting the Law to Work: Meeting the demand for employment law assistance in Victoria Employment law is a complex area of law that impacts directly on the 2.9 million workers currently in Victoria. In 2012, the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales published the Legal Australia-Wide Survey (‘LAW Survey’), a comprehensive study of unmet legal need in Australia. This study identified that 5.9 per cent of respondents in Victoria had employment law problems in a one year period.2 Putting the law to work examines options for meeting the need for employment law assistance in Victoria.	Published (02-10-2014)	735kb

Access to justice

Joint submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review This submission was jointly prepared by the Federation’s Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group (CDCLEWG) and Victoria Legal Aid through the Community Legal Education Program. In summary, it submits that: the provision of community legal education is a central and integral part of the work of an accessible ...	Published 11-03-2016	1.1mb

Submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review The Federation welcomes the Victorian Government’s Access to Justice Review, and the opportunity to identify improvements that can be made at a state level to address the access to justice crisis. This submission articulates some key points the Federation thinks are important for the Review Team to consider. These are intended to summarise...	Published 11-03-2016	609kb

Submission on the Proposed Legal Profession Conduct Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	197kb

Submissions on the proposed Uniform Legal Profession Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	208kb

Putting the Law to Work: Meeting the demand for employment law assistance in Victoria Employment law is a complex area of law that impacts directly on the 2.9 million workers currently in Victoria. In 2012, the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales published the Legal Australia-Wide Survey (‘LAW Survey’), a comprehensive study of unmet legal need in Australia. This study identified that 5.9 per cent of respond...	Published 02-10-2014	735kb

Amendments to Supreme Court Fees In this submission, the Federation of Community Legal and community legal centres raises concerns about the impact that proposed increases to Supreme Court Fees may have on access to justice.	Published 11-07-2014	108kb

Federation writes to Federal Attorney-General George Brandis over Federal funding cuts and advocacy restrictions On Thursday 19 May 2014, the Federation wrote to Federal Attorney-General George Brandis expressing strong concern over the impact on frontline services of funding cuts included in the 2014 Federal Budget. The letter also expressed extreme disappointment in proposed restrictions on law reform and policy advocacy work by community legal centres u...	Published 05-06-2014	432kb

Response to the Productivity Commission Draft Report: Access to Justice Arrangements The Federation was also part of a joint response submitted by the National Association of Community legal Centres. This submission is intended to provide the Productivity Commission with additional information from the Victorian context and to reiterate Victorian community legal centres’ perspectives on some of the key issues outlined in t...	Published 04-06-2014	863kb

Submission to VLA options paper on high quality criminal trials In this submission to Victoria Legal Aid, we recognise the value in ongoing systemic review to improve issues in the criminal justice system. We submit that any changes to the way public funds for trials are allocated must be made in a manner that promotes both fairness and efficiency. We are particularly concerned about the impact of some of th...	Published 20-03-2014	329kb

Early intervention measures and alternative dispute resolution: Submission to the Productivity Commission The Federation of Community Legal Centres has joined community legal peaks across Australia in making joint submissions to the Productivity Commission on access to justice. This November 2013 submission focuses on early intervention measures and alternative dispute resolution.	Published 15-11-2013	554kb

Submission to Productivity Commission Inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements On behalf of the Australian Inquest Alliance, the Federation argues that coronial processes epitomise how the cost of accessing justice services and securing legal representation prevents many Australians from gaining effective access to the justice system.	Published 04-11-2013	162kb

Submission on the impact of increases to federal court fees Federal court fees were substantially increased in 2010 and again in 2013. In early 2013, the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs announced they would be holding an inquiry into the impact that the fee increases had had on access to justice in Australia. The Federation of Community Legal Centres made a submission to the...	Published 12-04-2013	176kb

Letter to A-G Clark & Minister Wooldridge calling for continued funding of Mental Health Legal Centre On 20 February 2013, the Federation wrote to Victorian Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert Clark, and Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Mary Wooldridge, calling for the continued funding of the Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC). MHLC was defunded in early February by Victoria Legal Aid (VLA), which from 30 June will redirect the funding to itse...	Published 21-02-2013	230kb

State Budget Submission 2012-13 The State Budget submission 12-13 sets out the CLC sector's state wide funding priorities for the 2012-13 Victorian Budget.	Published 23-12-2011	384kb

Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and Their Families and Carers The Federation believes that the Victorian justice system is failing people with cognitive disabilities, and calls for a paradigm shift toward a social model of disability which the Victorian Government can use as a framework to review and further develop inclusive legislation, policies and procedures that facilitate access to justice by all mem...	Published 05-10-2011	280kb

Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and Their Families and Carers - Joint VPLRC The Federation together with Women with Disabilities Victoria, Domestic Violence Victoria, Maroondah Halfway House/Brenda House, and Women’s Legal Service Victoria and Family Law Legal Service, focuses on the need to provide a safe path of access to justice for women with cognitive disabilities who experience violence and abuse.	Published 01-10-2011	364kb

Inquiry into the Opportunities for Participation of Victorian Seniors The Elder Law working group recommends measures to improve older Victorians’ access to legal information and advice, raise community awareness of elder abuse (including in the legal profession, the police force and the banking industry) and address age discrimination in the workplace.	Published 13-09-2011	242kb

Submission to National Justice CEOs Group on National Guidelines or Principles for Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters The Federation broadly supports restorative justice approaches and national standards but believes that more information and community consultation are needed.	Published 11-07-2011	222kb

Joint Submission to National Justice CEOs Group on National Guidelines or Principles for Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters The Federation, Domestic Violence Victoria, InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria, and No To Violence Male Family Violence Prevention Association believe that it is premature and inappropriate to consider principles ...	Published 11-07-2011	186kb

NACLC Submission - review of Federal Court fee changes The Federation prepared a submission on behalf of the National Association of Community Legal Centres to the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department regarding its review of recent changes to Federal Court Fees. The Attorney General sought feedback on the impact of Federal Court and tribunal fees introduced November 2010, that replaced ...	Published 08-07-2011	1.1mb

Federation Submission on VLA Family Law Guidelines The Federation broadly supports the proposed change in focus in Victoria Legal Aid’s family law guidelines but is concerned about the some of the impacts of the proposed changes and recommends measures to mitigate the negative impacts.	Published 15-03-2011	208kb

State Budget Submission 11-12 The State Budget Submission 11-12 sets out the CLC sector’s state wide funding priorities for the 2011-12 Victorian Budget.	Published 24-01-2011	270kb

Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the Commonwealth Government’s Civil Dispute Resolution Bill In this submission we respond to the Commonwealth Government’s Civil Dispute Resolution Bill. In general we support more widespread use of ADR. However we argue that the Bill should be amended, to ensure that mandatory ADR does not become a barrier to justice, particularly for low-income and self-represented litigants.	Published 08-11-2010	183kb

Submission to Department of Justice on the Reviewing Victims of Crime Compensation Discussion Paper The Federation believes that there must be adequately funded, accessible and free legal assistance for victims to enable them to pursue compensation. Improvements to the VOCAT system are necessary to ensure timely, appropriate and fair recognition of victim's experiences sensitively that makes a meaningful difference to their lives. ...	Published 26-02-2010	263kb

State Budget Submission 10-11 The State Budget Submission 10-11 sets out the CLC sector’s state wide funding priorities for the 2010-11 Victorian Budget.	Published 07-01-2010	291kb

Comments on the Attorney-General’s Access to Justice report We discuss the need to increase funding for legal aid and CLC services in civil law; the importance of legal assistance in alternative dispute resolution; access to justice under the new national consumer credit laws and other matters.	Published 27-11-2009	286kb

Senate Inquiry into Access to Justice Service Rationalisation This document was prepared by the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic) Inc to address the specific issue of service delivery models and rationalisation of services raised by the Standing Committee in its Melbourne hearings.	Published 21-08-2009	72kb

Senate Inquiry into Access to Justice: Promoting CLC sustainability by establishing a CLC Law Graduate Scheme This document was prepared by the Federation to brief the Committee on the specific issue of the need to create a pathway from university to a career in CLCs. The document also provides information on the wide gap between CLC salaries and government and private sector salaries.	Published 21-08-2009	123kb

Joint letter to the Chief Justice on court fee waiver forms This letter argues for the establishment of a simplified and common fee waiver form across all Victorian courts and tribunals.	Published 17-12-2008	342kb

State Budget Submission 09-10 The State Budget Submission 09-10 sets out the CLC sector's state wide funding priorities for the 09-10 Victorian Budget.	Published 12-12-2008	187kb

Submission to Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee Inquiry into Vexatious Litigants The Federation is concerned that there should not be a legislative over-reaction to the issue, especially given the risk that such legislation can be used to silence unpopular people and causes.	Published 07-07-2008	118kb

Submission to ADR Inquiry The Federation's submission addresses the question of where ADR may be appropriate and also identifies where ADR needs reform or is an inappropriate form of resolution.	Published 03-03-2008	203kb

State Budget Submission 08-09 The State Budget Submission 08-09 sets out the CLC sector’s state wide funding priorities for the 08-09 Victorian Budget.	Published 16-11-2007	483kb

Client Legal Privilege and Federal Investigatory Bodies The Federation submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry argues client-legal privilege is essential to people obtaining accurate legal advice. The submissions provides detail with regards the investigation of terrorism offences and national security matters.	Published 04-06-2007	43kb

Client Legal Privilege and Federal Investigatory Bodies Submission The Federation submission to the ALRC inquiry argues client-legal privilege is essential to people obtaining accurate legal advice. The submission provides detail with regards to the investigation of terrorism offences and national security matters.	Published 04-06-2007	43kb

Submission to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee’s Discussion Paper, Coroners Act (Vic) 1985 – July 2005 The Federation seeks changes to the Coroners Act (Vic) 1985 including expanding particular definitions to ensure that deaths of vulnerable persons in a very broad range of circumstances come to the attention of the Coroner and changes to provide family members with the opportunity for greater involvement in the process.	Published 04-07-2005	144kb

Language Services for Newly Arrived & Isolated Communities Language Services for Newly Arrived & Isolated Communities	Published 04-08-2003	351kb

Submission on Pro Bono Commitment Issues Paper This Federation submission to the Department of Justice considers the Government Legal Services Panel's Pro Bono Commitment Issues Paper. The federation argues that the proposed pro bono scheme may impede a clear focus on the need for the development of adequate levels of funding for Community Legal Centres and Legal Aid.	Published 02-12-2002	289kb

Growing Pro Bono Position Paper Following the recent government initiatives in pro bono policy, the Federation believes there is a clear need for Community Legal Centres to look at what opportunities these initiatives present as well as what threats. The adoption of a pro bono policy position will enable the Federation to lobby more effectively on pro bono issues.	Published 04-03-2002	450kb

Submission to the Legal Aid Inquiry Submission into the enquiry conducted by the Senate and Constitutional References Committee covering rationale and developments of VLA. Lengthy discussions on unmet legal need with comprehensive recommendations by the federation.	Published 04-11-1996	2.3mb

Who Can Sue? A Review of the Law of Standing PIAC response to ALRC Discussion Paper 61. Discussion on Public Interest Litigation and the changing role of government and the courts	Published 04-12-1995	781kb

Response to the Juries Bill 1999 The philosophy behind Community Legal Centres is not merely to provide legal advice, but to empower people so that they can also find ways of resolving their own problems in the future. Centres are dedicated to a preventative approach and are actively involved in community development, education and law reform activities.

Review of the delivery of Legal Aid services This submission deals with equality and access and the legal aid commission of Victoria. In sum the contention of this submission is; funding certainty clearly allows the Commission to concentrate on its primary role of delivering more and better services to its clients.

Inquiry into Legal Aid and Access to Justice Access to justice and Legal Aid

Inquiry into the Right to Silence The presently considered debate around the removal of the right to silence is considered to be both unnecessary and dangerous to all members of society.

Justice for all Federation report into the impact of Legal Aid guidelines changes since March 1996

Re: Attorney General's Justice Statement (462.29 KByte) Attorney General's Justice statement looking at current criminal procedure and access to justice and proposed law reforms

Report on the Impact of Legal Aid Cuts The Federation discusses the unment legal need in the light of Legal Aid budget cuts. This report includes anechdotal evidence of the current shortfall in legal aid.

Response to the Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) Draft Report Response to the Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) Draft Report

Reviewing Legal Aid Main points of oral submissions made to Committe reviewing Legal Aid discussing unment legal need, and quality of representation

Submission to the Inquiry into the Australian Legal Aid System Submission includes discussion on unment legal need, the inability to assess impact and includes anechdotal evidence and case studies

Victorian Legal Aid Guidelines and Fee Scales Discussion on unmet legal need of the community in both a state law and Commonwealth Law context. Other issues discussed in brief

Children and young people

Submission to Vic Pol Community Consultation	Published 20-08-2013	237kb

Joint letter to Ministers on the removal of young people from adult jails On 22 November 2012, the Federation submitted a joint letter to the Minister for Corrections, Andrew Macintosh, and the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge, calling for an inquiry into the placement of young people under 18 years of age in Victoria's adult prisons, together with law reform to end the practice. The letter was sup...	Published 07-12-2012	357kb

Submission on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse This submission outlines complementary ways to provide effective participation by victims in the Royal Commission, including a proposal to establish a Victims Advocate body to support the participation of victims, including by legal representation.	Published 27-11-2012	242kb

Submission on improving diversion for young people The submission emphasises that the most critical improvement needed is a state-wide legislated diversion framework with a focus on rehabilitation to divert young people from court proceedings, wherever possible.	Published 08-10-2012	198kb

Letter to Attorney-General opposing ‘failure to protect’ law Together with 11 other community organisations, the Federation believes that the report of the Protecting Vulnerable Children Inquiry presents an opportunity for the Government to reassess its commitment to introducing a ‘failure to protect’ law in Victoria.	Published 24-05-2012	315kb

Failure to Protect Laws Submission 7 September 2011 The partner organisations agree that rates of child abuse are unacceptably high in Victoria and that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children. However, the introduction of the proposed failure to protect laws is strongly opposed. The proposed laws will not protect children from violence and abuse.	Published 07-09-2011	282kb

FCLC Submission to Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry May 2011 The Federation supports reforms to Victoria's child protection scheme that take a rights-based approach, emphasise the best interests of the child, increase resources for prevention and early intervention, and that address disadvantage.	Published 16-05-2011	312kb

Submission to the Victorian Law Reform Commission Child Protection Review If alternative dispute resolution is expanded in the child protection jurisdiction, the model must incorporate safeguards to protect vulnerable parties including access to early legal advice and representation. The Federation opposes transferring the jurisdiction of the Family Division of the Children’s Court to a tribunal and calls for the i...	Published 08-04-2010	313kb

Submission to VLRC Independent Persons September 2009 The Federation strongly supports legislative reform of section 464E of the Crimes Act which requires the presence of another adult in a police interview, where a young person is suspected of committing an offence. It is well documented that the presence of a trained support person is a necessary part of a humane, fair, just, age appropriate, effici...	Published 09-09-2009	326kb

Issue Paper 18: Speaking for Ourselves; Children and the Legal Process Issue paper which developed from the enquiry. See 'Response to Issue Paper 18..." for Federation	Published 07-11-2008	454kb

Response to Issue 18: Speaking for Ourselves; Children and the Legal Process Submission to Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry	Published 07-11-2008	184kb

Submission of the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic) Inc to the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee (March 2002) Submission prepared by Natalie Mikkelsen, Robyn Hamilton, Sophie Osborn and Debbie Kirkwood on behalf of the Children and Young People Working Group and ratified by the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic.) on 27 March 2002. For further information please contact Debbie Kirkwood, Policy Worker, Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic.) (9...	Published 07-11-2008	46kb

Submission to the Department of Justice’s proposed Working with Children Bill This submission was prepared by members of the Children and Youth Issues Working Group in February 2005 in consultation with individual member centres including Youthlaw, Fitzroy Legal Service and Jobwatch, on behalf of the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic).	Published 07-02-2005	59kb

He that Goes a Borrowing goes a Sorrowing: A Report into Youth Debt This report was undertaken by Clinical Legal Education students enrolled in Law at La Trobe University for and on behalf of the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service and La Trobe Law.	Published 05-01-2004	318kb

Submission to the Victorian Youth Strategy The Federation strongly supports the development of a comprhensive Youth Strategy for Victoria. This strategy should provide cohesion and consistency to government initiatives, as well as providing leadership to the non-government sector and the broader community generally.	Published 02-04-2001	1.0mb

Children and the Legal Process A submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and the Australian Law Reform Commission. An increadibly extensive submission discussing children from a range of cultural backgrounds in terms of a number of legal issues	Published 07-07-1997	24kb

Submission to the Joint Enquiry into Children and the Legal Process There is no doubt that the legal system fails children at many levels and that there is a consistent faliure to consult with and listen to the views of children. This submission is a response to the draft recommendations developed by the joint committee	Published 07-07-1997	607kb

Involving and Representing Children in Family Law Response of the Women and Children Working Group to the Family Law Council Discussion Paper	Published 01-07-1996	427kb

Child Protection in Victoria – The Federation’s Thirteen Steps for Reform The Federation has identified 13 key components we see as necessary for a robust and fair child protection system. The Federation’s Thirteen Steps for Reform will guide the Federation through the next steps in the review process, including responding to the Exposure Draft of the legislation.

Civil justice

Joint submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review This submission was jointly prepared by the Federation’s Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group (CDCLEWG) and Victoria Legal Aid through the Community Legal Education Program. In summary, it submits that: the provision of community legal education is a central and integral part of the work of an accessible ...	Published 11-03-2016	1.1mb

Submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review The Federation welcomes the Victorian Government’s Access to Justice Review, and the opportunity to identify improvements that can be made at a state level to address the access to justice crisis. This submission articulates some key points the Federation thinks are important for the Review Team to consider. These are intended to summarise...	Published 11-03-2016	609kb

Putting the Law to Work: Meeting the demand for employment law assistance in Victoria Employment law is a complex area of law that impacts directly on the 2.9 million workers currently in Victoria. In 2012, the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales published the Legal Australia-Wide Survey (‘LAW Survey’), a comprehensive study of unmet legal need in Australia. This study identified that 5.9 per cent of respond...	Published 02-10-2014	735kb

Submission VCAT fee increases The Federation of Community Legal Centres’ submission expresses concern at the Government’s proposal to raise fees in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). We believe that the proposed fee increases will have a negative impact on Victorians’ capacity to access justice, and that the Regulatory Impact Statement ...	Published 07-03-2013	177kb

Pathways to sustainable housing submission The Tenancy Law Working Group emphasises the critically poor state of public housing in Victoria and calls for reforms that reflect the rights and needs of vulnerable Victorians. It demonstrates the case for and against specific reforms through the lived experiences of public housing tenants in Victoria.	Published 28-09-2012	517kb

Submission to VCAT regarding the Legislation Reform Project The Tenancy Law Working Group provides 18 recommendations aimed at making VCAT rules and practices fairer for vulnerable tenants in Victoria and endorses the submission of the PILCH Homeless Persons Clinic.	Published 28-09-2012	369kb

Submission in response to Customers First - July 2012 ‘We respond to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry’s draft report and recommendations. We strongly endorse the Inquiry’s proposals to improve drivers’ pay and working conditions, while urging stronger measures to protect drivers from accident-related debt.’	Published 01-08-2012	227kb

Issues Paper: ‘A Commonwealth Statutory Cause of Action for Serious Invasion of Privacy’ We support the Commonwealth Government’s proposed statutory cause of action for serious invasion of privacy. The proposed reform could have significant benefits for disadvantaged people, who are disproportionately affected by surveillance in public places.	Published 04-11-2011	216kb

Federation of CLCs submission to Taxi Inquiry June 2011 This submission draws on the work of the Taxi Driver Legal Clinic at Footscray Community Legal Centre. It argues for stricter, more transparent regulation of the taxi industry, and a fairer deal for low-income drivers.	Published 24-06-2011	222kb

Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts The Federation comments on the inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts. We endorse the submission from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre Ltd (PIAC). Unrepresented or represented individuals who are involved in proceedings against large entities are often at a disadvantage at the pre-discovery stage of civil litigation. We submit there should...	Published 20-01-2011	179kb

Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the Commonwealth Government’s Civil Dispute Resolution Bill In this submission we respond to the Commonwealth Government’s Civil Dispute Resolution Bill. In general we support more widespread use of ADR. However we argue that the Bill should be amended, to ensure that mandatory ADR does not become a barrier to justice, particularly for low-income and self-represented litigants.	Published 08-11-2010	183kb

Submission to NADRAC re Model Dispute Management Plan We argue that Commonwealth Government agencies should always refer individuals to accessible sources of legal advice, prior to engaging them in any ADR proceedings, and that agencies should adopt specific guidelines for ADR involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.	Published 18-03-2010	389kb

Submission to Department of Justice on the Reviewing Victims of Crime Compensation Discussion Paper The Federation believes that there must be adequately funded, accessible and free legal assistance for victims to enable them to pursue compensation. Improvements to the VOCAT system are necessary to ensure timely, appropriate and fair recognition of victim's experiences sensitively that makes a meaningful difference to their lives. ...	Published 26-02-2010	263kb

Comments on the Attorney-General’s Access to Justice report We discuss the need to increase funding for legal aid and CLC services in civil law; the importance of legal assistance in alternative dispute resolution; access to justice under the new national consumer credit laws and other matters.	Published 27-11-2009	286kb

Submission on the review of the Insurance Industry's Code of Practice The Federation made a submission to the review of the insurance industry's Code of Practice. We highlighted the need for greater use of interpreters and more compassionate treatment of debtors experiencing hardship.	Published 01-07-2009	192kb

Submission to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council The Federation broadly supports greater use of ADR. However we argue that without sufficient safeguards and support mechanisms, compulsory ADR may have a chilling effect on litigation by CLC clients and other people on low incomes. We also emphasise the public interest in bringing certain matters to court, for full ventilation and deter...	Published 21-05-2009	218kb

Submission to Stalking Law Review This submission outlines the weaknesses in the current non-family violence intervention order system, and considers alternative proposals, including greater use of mediation.	Published 24-04-2009	96kb

Submission to Stalking Law Review Cover Letter	Published 24-04-2009	173kb

Second Civil Justice Draft Reforms The Federation emphasises that any case management scheme designed to expedite court processes and deter unnecessary litigation must not be at the expense of disadvantaged individuals, who are often unrepresented. The Federation urges the Commission to adopt the issue of Legal Aid funding for civil proceedings, and strongly supports the Commissions...	Published 03-09-2007	158kb

Draft Civil Justice Reform Proposals The Federation supports many of the proposals but notes that they centre on the court process, and our civil law clients do not necessarily go to court. The Federation therefore recommends that other barriers to civil justice be considered in Stage Two of the Review.	Published 02-07-2007	57kb

Response to the Parliamentary Law Reform Committee's Coroner's Act Final Report Community Legal Centres have a long history of representing families at Coronial Inquests. This experience provides the basis for comments in this submission that respond to some of the recommendations made by the committee.	Published 04-12-2006	43kb

Submission to the VLRC Civil Justice Review Community legal centres have historically and continue to provide advice and casework services across a broad range of civil law areas. This submission to the VLRC provides a picture of this work and opportunities for improving access to civil justice.	Published 04-12-2006	113kb

Community Legal Centre Issues

Joint submission: Victorian Government Access to Justice Review This submission was jointly prepared by the Federation’s Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group (CDCLEWG) and Victoria Legal Aid through the Community Legal Education Program. In summary, it submits that: the provision of community legal education is a central and integral part of the work of an accessible ...	Published 11-03-2016	1.1mb

Submission to the Inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations This submission is provided by the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC), Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services Inc (QAILS), Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria, Community Legal Centres Tasmania, CLC NSW and EDONQ. The first five of these organisations represent the interests of community legal centres...	Published 20-05-2015	246kb

Submission on the Proposed Legal Profession Conduct Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	197kb

Submissions on the proposed Uniform Legal Profession Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	208kb

Joint submission to Service Sector Reform Project Consultation The Federation, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, Eastern Community Legal Centre and Gippsland Community Legal Service discuss how CLCs already operate as a best practice model. The submission also indicates where initiatives could be expanded or developed, provided there is sufficient resourcing.	Published 05-04-2013	140kb

Joint Submission to Fair Work Australia Equal Remuneration Case The Federation of CLCs (Victoria) and CLCNSW hold the view that pay rates for CLCs are not competitive with pay rates for public sector positions of equivalent work value and should be significantly increased.	Published 28-07-2011	199kb

Submission to Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) on Location and Need Issues This report attempts to briefly highlight some issues about determining need.	Published 02-08-1999	506kb

Review of Commonwealth and State Community Legal Centre Funding A review of Commonwealth and State Community Legal Centre Funding	Published 03-05-1999	306kb

Consumers

Submission on the Proposed Legal Profession Conduct Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	197kb

Submissions on the proposed Uniform Legal Profession Rules The Legal Profession Uniform Law is expected to come into operation in New South Wales and Victoria in mid-2015. The Uniform Law will replace the Legal Profession Act 2004 in Victoria, and regulations and rules made under those Acts. The legislation provides for categories of Uniform Rules. The Federation provided submissions on two categori...	Published 29-01-2015	208kb

Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts The Federation comments on the inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts. We endorse the submission from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre Ltd (PIAC). Unrepresented or represented individuals who are involved in proceedings against large entities are often at a disadvantage at the pre-discovery stage of civil litigation. We submit there should...	Published 20-01-2011	179kb

Comments on the Attorney-General’s Access to Justice report We discuss the need to increase funding for legal aid and CLC services in civil law; the importance of legal assistance in alternative dispute resolution; access to justice under the new national consumer credit laws and other matters.	Published 27-11-2009	286kb

Submission re Australian Consumer Law The Federation's submission to the federal Treasury's discussion paper, released in February 2009, regarding a proposed Australian Consumer Law, incorporating the Trade Practices Act, product safety laws and best practice provisions from state and territory consumer protection laws.	Published 20-03-2009	202kb

Submission to the Senate Select Committee on the socio economic consequences of National Competition Policy Discussion on the Marketisation and National Competition policy, the role of government, consumers and the impact of a competition policy on CLC's. Includes case studies	Published 05-10-1998	827kb

Submission to the Inquiry into Commercial in Confidence and the Public Interest This submission attempts to put a perspective from the NGO sector on the use of commercial confidentiality as a barrier to open information and the public interest

Coroners and inquests

Submission on National Consultation re Foundation for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and their Children We believe that there are valuable prevention opportunities at all stages of victim and perpetrator trajectories and service systems. This submission focuses specifically on the role of family/domestic violence death reviews in preventing future homicides.	Published 20-09-2013	64kb

Saving lives by joining up justice: Why Australia needs coronial reform and how to achieve it Saving lives by joining up justice: Why Australia needs coronial reform and how to achieve it makes 11 recommendations to reform Australia's badly fractured coronial system. The report has been produced on behalf of the Australian Inquest Alliance as part of the Australian Coronial Reform Project.	Published 06-03-2013	912kb

Letter to Attorney-General seeking urgent funds for Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths The Federation has joined with 11 other non-government organisation members of the Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths Reference Group, expressing our extreme concern that the Review has not been funded since July 2010, and seeking continued support from Government for this important work.	Published 22-02-2012	162kb

Australian Inquest Alliance Submission to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation The Federation is a member of the Australian Inquest Alliance. The Alliance advocates that the need for reform of coronial systems across Australia must be addressed in the Baseline Study and subsequent National Human Rights Action Plan, so that social justice may be effectively pursued for those who have died in circumstances where the death m...	Published 02-09-2011	1.9mb

National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation: Right to Life and Family Violence The Federation addresses gaps in the Baseline Study concerning the right of women to be protected from free from domestic/family violence homicides. The Commonwealth Government should provide leadership through the Council of Australian Governments and the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to establish, in consultation with advocates and ...	Published 02-09-2011	266kb

Australian Inquest Alliance – Submission to WA Inquiry into Transportation of Detained Persons The newly formed Alliance of which the Federation is a leading member, responds to the Inquiry initiated in response to the tragic death of Aboriginal elder Mr Ward. The submission recommends that WA adopt legislation requiring mandatory responses to coronial recommendations, and that the WA Government work with other states and territories to achi...	Published 19-05-2010	223kb

Letter to Department of Justice - draft Coroners Regulations The Federation proposed that in order to fulfil human rights obligations, the Coroners Regulations should spell out how the family's rights to participation in the investigation and inquest are to be realised.	Published 17-07-2009	227kb

Letter to Associate to the State Coroner - draft Coroners Court Rules The Federation proposed that in order to fulfil human rights obligations, the Coroners Court Rules should spell out how the family's rights to participation in the investigation and inquest are to be realised.	Published 16-07-2009	207kb

Letter on the Coroners Bill 2008 – Scope of the Coroners Court as a Public Authority The Federation wrote to the Victorian Attorney-General expressing our concern that the Coroners Bill 2008 creates uncertainty concerning the way in which the Coroners Court may be subject to the Victorian Human Rights Charter. This is important to clarify because issues of how inquests are conducted relate to the fundamental human right to life, an...	Published 01-12-2008	189kb

Letter to Legislative Assembly on the Coroners Bill 2008 The Federation wrote to the members of the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament to suggest amendments to the Coroners Bill 2008.	Published 10-11-2008	254kb

Submision responding to Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee's Coroners Act 1985 - Final Report This submission highlights the recommendations contained within the Final Report that are of particular interest to the work of the Federation.	Published 01-12-2006	43kb

Submision responding to Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee's Discussion Paper - Coroners Act (Vic) 1985 This submission seeks to highlight issues relevant to the Coroners Act (Vic) 1985 and the people and values the Federation represents.	Published 22-07-2005	144kb

Courts and tribunals

Letter to Attorney-General re Jury Directions Bill 2015	Published 09-04-2015	99kb

Submission to VLA options paper on high quality criminal trials In this submission to Victoria Legal Aid, we recognise the value in ongoing systemic review to improve issues in the criminal justice system. We submit that any changes to the way public funds for trials are allocated must be made in a manner that promotes both fairness and efficiency. We are particularly concerned about the impact of some of th...	Published 20-03-2014	329kb

Submission on the impact of increases to federal court fees Federal court fees were substantially increased in 2010 and again in 2013. In early 2013, the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs announced they would be holding an inquiry into the impact that the fee increases had had on access to justice in Australia. The Federation of Community Legal Centres made a submission to the...	Published 12-04-2013	176kb

Submission on improving diversion for young people The submission emphasises that the most critical improvement needed is a state-wide legislated diversion framework with a focus on rehabilitation to divert young people from court proceedings, wherever possible.	Published 08-10-2012	198kb

Joint letter to Victorian Attorney-General on Jury Directions in Sexual Offence Trials The Federation, Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault, and 8 other legal, health and community welfare agencies wrote to the Attorney-General expressing our strong concern about the impact of recent appeal decisions on future reporting of sexual assaults, and urging the Victorian Government to implement as soon as possible the recommendations...	Published 07-09-2011	498kb

NACLC Submission - review of Federal Court fee changes The Federation prepared a submission on behalf of the National Association of Community Legal Centres to the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department regarding its review of recent changes to Federal Court Fees. The Attorney General sought feedback on the impact of Federal Court and tribunal fees introduced November 2010, that replaced ...	Published 08-07-2011	1.1mb

Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Council on statutory minimum sentences for gross violence The Federation strongly opposes the government’s policy to introduce statutory minimum sentences.	Published 01-07-2011	149kb

FCLC submission to the review of Victoria's anti-corruption system This submission focuses on a particular public sector integrity issue —police accountability in relation to lethal and non lethal use of force and misconduct. The Federation submits the proposed anti-corruption commission is the appropriate agency that should be given jurisdiction and the resources to investigate these issues. We express ...	Published 20-06-2011	215kb

Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts The Federation comments on the inquiry into discovery in Federal Courts. We endorse the submission from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre Ltd (PIAC). Unrepresented or represented individuals who are involved in proceedings against large entities are often at a disadvantage at the pre-discovery stage of civil litigation. We submit there should...	Published 20-01-2011	179kb

Letter to Attorney-General re VCAT Review Our response to Justice Kevin Bell’s review of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.	Published 22-04-2010	99kb

Submission to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal - Part 1 The Federation made a submission to the 2009 review of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, in which it recommended several measures to improve the Tribunal's efficiency, consistency, transparency and accessibility.	Published 09-06-2009	287kb

Submission to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal - Part 2 Part 2 of the Federation's submission to the 2009 review of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.	Published 09-06-2009	342kb

Letter on the Coroners Bill 2008 – Scope of the Coroners Court as a Public Authority The Federation wrote to the Victorian Attorney-General expressing our concern that the Coroners Bill 2008 creates uncertainty concerning the way in which the Coroners Court may be subject to the Victorian Human Rights Charter. This is important to clarify because issues of how inquests are conducted relate to the fundamental human right to life, an...	Published 01-12-2008	189kb

Submission on Amicus Curiae Application Submission of Public Interest Advocacy Centre who applied to appear as amicus curiae in the matter of Been and Ors v Williams in the NSW Supreme Court. Discussion of history or amicus curiae, problems and recommendations	Published 01-01-1996	347kb

Jury Service in Victoria The Federation is concerned that a number of 'Issues for Discussion' developed by VLRC disclose a trend towards moving trials before a judge alone.

Submission on Tribunals Increasingly people are finding themselves in a position where they will need to appear before tribunals because they are traditionally cheaper, speedier and more accessible than courts. The federation is concerned that suggestions in the Department of Justice paper on tribunals may detract from the accessibility of tribunals.

Crime

Tracking Protective Services Officers: Insights from the first 3 years This report documents cases of Protective Services Officers exceeding their powers by demanding personal information from commuters without legal justification and where no offence has been committed, forcibly searching commuters who do not comply, and using excessive force in a range of circumstances, including against vulnerable people. Re...	Published 09-06-2015	595kb

Letter to Attorney-General re Jury Directions Bill 2015	Published 09-04-2015	99kb

Submission to VLA options paper on high quality criminal trials In this submission to Victoria Legal Aid, we recognise the value in ongoing systemic review to improve issues in the criminal justice system. We submit that any changes to the way public funds for trials are allocated must be made in a manner that promotes both fairness and efficiency. We are particularly concerned about the impact of some of th...	Published 20-03-2014	329kb

Submission to Vic Pol Community Consultation	Published 20-08-2013	237kb

Submission to Senate Inquiry on Justice Reinvestment	Published 21-03-2013	239kb

Joint letter to Ministers on the removal of young people from adult jails On 22 November 2012, the Federation submitted a joint letter to the Minister for Corrections, Andrew Macintosh, and the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge, calling for an inquiry into the placement of young people under 18 years of age in Victoria's adult prisons, together with law reform to end the practice. The letter was sup...	Published 07-12-2012	357kb

Submission on improving diversion for young people The submission emphasises that the most critical improvement needed is a state-wide legislated diversion framework with a focus on rehabilitation to divert young people from court proceedings, wherever possible.	Published 08-10-2012	198kb

Submission on the Regulatory Impact Statement: Should the Government regulate to control weapons? The Federation made some brief comments on the Price Waterhouse Cooper Regulatory Impact Statement: Should the government regulate to control weapons?. The Federation submits that the most effective solution to knife carrying is to address the causes of knife carrying through early intervention and education campaigns. The Federation recommends ...	Published 21-10-2011	211kb

Failure to Protect Laws Submission 7 September 2011 The partner organisations agree that rates of child abuse are unacceptably high in Victoria and that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children. However, the introduction of the proposed failure to protect laws is strongly opposed. The proposed laws will not protect children from violence and abuse.	Published 07-09-2011	282kb

Joint letter to Victorian Attorney-General on Jury Directions in Sexual Offence Trials The Federation, Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault, and 8 other legal, health and community welfare agencies wrote to the Attorney-General expressing our strong concern about the impact of recent appeal decisions on future reporting of sexual assaults, and urging the Victorian Government to implement as soon as possible the recommendations...	Published 07-09-2011	498kb

Supplementary submission to the Victorian Charter Review 2011 SARC invited the Federation to provide further information on how the Charter protects the interests of victims of crime. Our supplementary submission outlines a range of Charter rights relevant to victims, such as the right to life, the right to liberty and security of the person, and the right to privacy. We provide case studies from Europe t...	Published 02-08-2011	271kb

Submission to National Justice CEOs Group on National Guidelines or Principles for Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters The Federation broadly supports restorative justice approaches and national standards but believes that more information and community consultation are needed.	Published 11-07-2011	222kb

Joint Submission to National Justice CEOs Group on National Guidelines or Principles for Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters The Federation, Domestic Violence Victoria, InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria, and No To Violence Male Family Violence Prevention Association believe that it is premature and inappropriate to consider principles ...	Published 11-07-2011	186kb

Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Council on statutory minimum sentences for gross violence The Federation strongly opposes the government’s policy to introduce statutory minimum sentences.	Published 01-07-2011	149kb

FCLC submission to the review of Victoria's anti-corruption system This submission focuses on a particular public sector integrity issue —police accountability in relation to lethal and non lethal use of force and misconduct. The Federation submits the proposed anti-corruption commission is the appropriate agency that should be given jurisdiction and the resources to investigate these issues. We express ...	Published 20-06-2011	215kb

Joint Submission to Review of the Offence of Defensive Homicide The joint submission calls for defensive homicide cases to continue to be closely monitored to determine whether the aims of the 2005 reforms are being met, particularly with regard to its impact on women. Further than the terms of the review, it is submitted that it is timely to start a public and political debate about a more effective cut-thr...	Published 13-09-2010	116kb

Submission to the Victorian Parliament Drugs and Prevention Crime Committee Inquiry into the Impact of Drug-Related Offending on Female Prisoner Numbers The Federation strongly endorses the joint submissions to the Inquiry from Flat Out Inc and the Centre for the Human Rights of Imprisoned People, and from our member centre PILCH (Homeless Persons Legal Clinic) and the Council to Homeless Persons. Women who commit drug-related crimes tend to be some of the most vulnerable members of o...	Published 06-07-2010	202kb

Magistrates' Court Amendment (Mental Health List) Bill 2009 The Federation wrote to the Shadow Attorney-General, Robert Clark, supporting the Bill for its therapeutic jurisprudence stance. We believe that problem solving approaches like the proposed List are more likely to achieve offender rehabilitation and crime prevention, because they attempt to address the underlying causes of crime and to provide path...	Published 28-01-2010	186kb

Submission to Stage 1 Bail Reform Project The Federation urges for speedy implementation of the majority of the recommendations of the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Review of the Bail Act, Final Report, 2007, as a step towards improving the bail system for the indigenous, vulnerable and disadvantaged communities that community legal centres work with.	Published 02-12-2009	217kb

Submission to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department in response to the National Security Legislation Discussion Paper on Proposed Amendments The Federation in conjunction with the National Association of Community Legal Centres seeks to provide responses to the Federal Government's counter terrorism reform proposals through the lens of the communities we work with who are affected by Australia's counterterrorism laws, policies and practices, both directly and indirectly.	Published 19-10-2009	691kb

Submission to VLRC Independent Persons September 2009 The Federation strongly supports legislative reform of section 464E of the Crimes Act which requires the presence of another adult in a police interview, where a young person is suspected of committing an offence. It is well documented that the presence of a trained support person is a necessary part of a humane, fair, just, age appropriate, effici...	Published 09-09-2009	326kb

Graffiti Prevention The Federation does not support the introduction of the Graffiti Prevention Bill, which is designed to`get tough` on offenders, rather than provide effective graffitti prevention initiatives.	Published 05-02-2007	73kb

Review of the Listing Provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 The Federation believes that the listing provisions of the Code should be repealed in their entirety because they are fundamentally inconsistent with aspirations for a democratic society and compromise fundamental principles of the criminal law.	Published 05-02-2007	91kb

The Merits of Post-sentence Supervision and Detention of High Risk Sex Offenders While the Federation supports measures that can effectively protect the community from sex offenders, it believes indefinite sentences for high-risk offenders may be disproportionate to the crimes committed, and hence a breach of rights.	Published 05-02-2007	23kb

Inquiry into the Crimes Amendment (Bail and Sentencing) Bill 2006 - VALS Submission VALS submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in response to the Inquiry into the Crimes Amendment (Bail and Sentencing) Bill 2006.	Published 04-09-2006	183kb

Response to the Sentencing Advisory Council's Interim Report 2005 Reiterating the Federation's earlier submission call for the retention of suspended sentenced as a sentencing order in Victoria	Published 04-09-2006	76kb

Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Council Inquiry into Suspended Sentences The Federation strongly supports the retention of suspended sentences as a sentencing option and amendments to sections 31(5)(a), 31(5A) and 31(6) of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) to restore court discretion with regard to breaches. We oppose any changes to suspended sentences and the sentencing regime that may result in a further increase in incar...	Published 06-06-2005	79kb

Improving the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault The Federation continues to support reforms to legal processes and practises that seek to overcome the revictimisation suffered by victims of sexual offences seeking access to justice. Aswell as commenting on proposed changes to the criminal justice system, this submission urges the government to take further steps to improve the victim compensatio...	Published 02-05-2005	22kb

Submission to VLRC Sexual Offences Interim Report Federation of Community Legal Centre's Sexual Offences Interim Report	Published 08-09-2003	641kb

Review of the Vagrancy Act 1966 Review of the Vagrancy Act 1966	Published 06-05-2002	195kb

Review of the Custodial Community Permit Program The corrections working group believes that the community Custodial Permit Program has the potential to adequately prepare individuals for re-entry into the community after a term of imprisonment. Whilst the main reasons for offending in the first place can only be addressed by the offender themselves, the impact of release may be alleviated by ens...	Published 01-04-2002	382kb

Use of tear Gas on a Woman at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC) We write with urgency and condemnation in relation to the incident at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC) in which the Security and Emergency Services Group (SESG) tear-gassed a lone woman in a cell who was threatening self-harm. This incident underscores the dangers of retaining an SESG unit at the women's prison; and demands immediate and force...	Published 01-04-2002	100kb

Discussion Paper on Sexual Offences: Law and Procedure Regardless of legislative reform, in practice judges have the power and capacity to interpret and apply laws in ways that may not be in accordance with the legislation. Judges, barristers, and others legal professionals and juries can not be expected simply to know and understand sexual assault. Each of these groups need to be educated and trained ...	Published 04-02-2002	361kb

Draft Recommendation Paper on the Failure to Appear in Court in Response to Bail The Federation strongly supports the reccommendation to repeal section 4(2)(c) of the Bail Act 1977.Presently where a person has been charged with a criminal offence, released on bail for the period until their court hearing and then fails to appear, the Bail Act provides that the person can only be released again on bail if they satisfy the court ...	Published 04-02-2002	123kb

Response to Control of Weapons Legislation Effectiveness Review Recent legislative developments in New South Wales illustrate the potential problems for young people where police search powers are expanded, to allow police greater discretion to "reasonably" conduct a search for a knife, based on the locality of the incident. Given existing concerns regarding the relationship between police and young people, and...	Published 05-04-1999	435kb

Submission on Fatal Offences Against a Person Response to MCCOC discussion paper. Outlines Federation recommendations.	Published 03-08-1998	50kb

Draft Submission on Sentencing There is a continued pressure on individuals to plead guilty by legal aid and the courts who may in fact have a valid defence or be innocent of certain charges.	Published 04-11-1996	685kb

Joint submission on Department of Justice Review of Sexual Offences Consultation Paper The Federation, with CASA Forum and Dr Wendy Larcombe, and endorsed by 13 organisations, argues that the law should support a positive, communicative model of sexual consent, and be informed by the social context of gendered and other power relations which underpin the experiences of sexual violence, mainly by women and children, and its perpetr...

Corrections and Sentencing Acts [Home Detention Bill (2003)] Corrections and Sentencing Acts [Home Detention Bill (2003)]

Response to the Recommendations of the VLRC Sexual offences Interim Report Response to the Recommendations of the VLRC Sexual offences Interim Report

Submission to Premier's Drug Advisory Council 1996 Discussion on the issues created by the prohibition policies and the shortfalls faced in rehabilitation, detoxification, education and counselling programs

Democracy

Submission: 2015 Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) Since its introduction, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) has resulted in a greater capacity to negotiate good outcomes for community legal centre clients when dealing with public authorities. The Charter has also led to a number of improvements in government procedure, policy and practice and has seen the human rig...	Published 15-06-2015	409kb

Submission to SARC on the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013 This submission was made to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) of the Parliament of Victoria regarding the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013. The submission expresses concerns regarding the expansion of police powers to issue move-on orders, and the introduction of new exclusion orders, which together signifi...	Published 03-02-2014	132kb

Submission to the Citizenship Taskforce, DIMA Based on our experience of working with migrant and refugee communities, the Federation does not support the introduction of formal citizenship testing in Australia. This submission outlines our reasons.	Published 06-11-2006	40kb

Inquiry into Administrative Decisions (Effect of International Instruments) Bill 1997 Discussions of effect of Bill in light of Teoh decision	Published 04-08-1997	392kb

Submission to the Classification Review Board Federation submission following the decision in 'Rabelais' Case (1995)	Published 01-07-1996	326kb

Submission on Charities Bill 2003 Charities Bill 2003 incorporating themes of access to justice and taxation

Disability

Submission on Draft Proposed National Framework for Reducing the Use of Restrictive Practices in the Disability Service Sector On behalf of the Federation, Disability Discrimination Legal Service submits that the Framework should also apply to children in schools and be binding on federally funded organisations. The submission was endorsed by Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service, Communication Rights Australia and Youth Disability Advocacy Service, Youth Affairs C...	Published 20-08-2013	325kb

Submission to Inquiry into National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 This joint submission with Women with Disabilities Victoria welcomes the Bill but urges amendments consistent with the convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The submission is endorsed by AED Legal Centre, Disability Discrimination Legal Service, Mental Health Centre, Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service and Women's Hea...	Published 13-02-2013	3.9mb

Submission on the Draft Victorian State Disability Plan 2013-2016 'The Federation believes that in order to genuinely improve the lives of people with disability, the Plan must adopt recommendations from previous independent reports, adhere to evidence-based best practice, and be well resourced.’	Published 01-08-2012	218kb

Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and Their Families and Carers The Federation believes that the Victorian justice system is failing people with cognitive disabilities, and calls for a paradigm shift toward a social model of disability which the Victorian Government can use as a framework to review and further develop inclusive legislation, policies and procedures that facilitate access to justice by all mem...	Published 05-10-2011	280kb

Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and Their Families and Carers - Joint VPLRC The Federation together with Women with Disabilities Victoria, Domestic Violence Victoria, Maroondah Halfway House/Brenda House, and Women’s Legal Service Victoria and Family Law Legal Service, focuses on the need to provide a safe path of access to justice for women with cognitive disabilities who experience violence and abuse.	Published 01-10-2011	364kb

Federation Submission on Review of Guardianship Laws June 2011 The Federation supports a framework of supported decision making, substituted judgment and the presumption of capacity, resting on a foundation of the human rights guaranteed by the Victorian Charter and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, an overhaul of the guardianship system can only empower vulnerable peop...	Published 07-06-2011	381kb

Letter re Parent Advocates The Federation wrote to the Minister of Education & Early Childhood Development concerning new guidelines which prevent parent advocates from speaking at Student Support Group meetings. The Federation believes that the guidelines are discriminatory because they mainly affect students with disabilities, who may not otherwise be able to have thei...	Published 20-05-2009	191kb

Submission Letter re Swanston St Redevelopment The Federation made a submission to the Swanston Street Redevelopment Consultation urging the abandonment of two of the options offered for consideration, on the basis that they discriminate against people with disabilities that affect their physical mobility.	Published 08-05-2009	179kb

Disability Access Report This report provides a snapshot of the current level of access to and participation within Community Legal Centres (CLCs). The report deals with the issues, barriers and solutions impacting on people with disabilities concerning their access to and participation in CLCs.

Discrimination

Putting the Law to Work: Meeting the demand for employment law assistance in Victoria Employment law is a complex area of law that impacts directly on the 2.9 million workers currently in Victoria. In 2012, the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales published the Legal Australia-Wide Survey (‘LAW Survey’), a comprehensive study of unmet legal need in Australia. This study identified that 5.9 per cent of respond...	Published 02-10-2014	735kb

Submission to Vic Pol Community Consultation	Published 20-08-2013	237kb

CLC Joint letter Com Ken Lay public review Vic pol In this joint CLC letter to Victoria Police, we call for meaningful and effective community consultation in the public review of Victoria Police policy and training to address community concerns about racial profiling within Victoria Police.	Published 27-03-2013	334kb

Inquiry into the Opportunities for Participation of Victorian Seniors The Elder Law working group recommends measures to improve older Victorians’ access to legal information and advice, raise community awareness of elder abuse (including in the legal profession, the police force and the banking industry) and address age discrimination in the workplace.	Published 13-09-2011	242kb

Letter to the Attorney General regarding VEOHRC’s powers to investigate systemic discrimination The Federation strongly supports the role of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in initiating investigations into systemic discrimination and believes the functions and powers granted to it under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) are appropriate for this purpose. We wrote to the Attorney General to provide information...	Published 29-03-2011	211kb

AHRCConsultation: Protection from Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Sex and/or Gender Identity The Federation addresses some of the issues raised by the potential harmonisation of sexual orientation/sex/gender identity discrimination laws federally.	Published 25-11-2010	224kb

Letter to Victorian Attorney-General concerning the Equal Opportunity Bill 2010 The Federation congratulates the Attorney-General on various aspects of the Bill, but urges amendments consistent with its enhanced objectives of protecting human rights. We also emphasise the need to support the Bill with well-resourced practical measures, and urge the Government to make a commitment to a timely review of the issues concerning tra...	Published 23-03-2010	198kb

Submission to Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee on the Equal Opportunity Bill 2010 The Federation supports many of the changes proposed by the Bill, because they provide for more effective protection and promotion of the right to equality as set out in the Victorian Human Rights Charter. However, we believe that other aspects of the Bill are incompatible with the Charter, including the failure to proscribe discrimination on the b...	Published 18-03-2010	221kb

Submission to Inquiry into various Bills related to the NT Intervention The Federation particularly expressed its concern that the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) will not be immediately reinstated, and that other measures of the NT Emergency Response have not been redesigned to ensure that they are complaint with the RDA. We also strongly oppose the expansion of income quarantining across the Northern Territor...	Published 02-02-2010	223kb

Submission to Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 The Federation welcomes the introduction of this Bill, which provides legal recognition for same sex marriages and therefore recognises the right of same sex couples to legal equality and to be free from discrimination.	Published 28-08-2009	194kb

Submission on Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Review of the Exceptions and Exemptions to the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 The Federation endorses Human Rights Law Resource Centre's submission that the exceptions in the Equal Opportunity Act should be repealed and replaced by a general balancing test from s 7(2) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, supported by more detailed guidelines. As a less favoured alternative, we prioritise certain provisio...	Published 10-07-2009	386kb

Letter re Parent Advocates The Federation wrote to the Minister of Education & Early Childhood Development concerning new guidelines which prevent parent advocates from speaking at Student Support Group meetings. The Federation believes that the guidelines are discriminatory because they mainly affect students with disabilities, who may not otherwise be able to have thei...	Published 20-05-2009	191kb

Submission Letter re Swanston St Redevelopment The Federation made a submission to the Swanston Street Redevelopment Consultation urging the abandonment of two of the options offered for consideration, on the basis that they discriminate against people with disabilities that affect their physical mobility.	Published 08-05-2009	179kb

Submission on the Draft Model Spent Convictions Bill This submission argues for effective protection against discrimination on the grounds of an irrelevant criminal record, stopping the release of non-convictions on criminal record checks and laws that prohibit trading in criminal record information without an individual's consent.	Published 09-02-2009	288kb

Equal Opportunity Options Paper Submission The Federation made a submission in the second stage of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Review. The Federation suggested that the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission should have key research and education functions, with community legal centres being resourced to play a central role in the provision of advice.	Published 05-05-2008	90kb

Review of the Exceptions and Exemptions in the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Victoria) This submission to the Department of Justice calls for significant reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act (1995). The Federation believes that in the present framework of the Act, none of the exceptions are reasonable limitations on the right to equality.	Published 07-04-2008	138kb

Victorian Attorney-General’s Independent Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic) The Federation believes that significant improvements must be made to the Equal Opportunity Act in order to prevent discrimination and offer timely and appropriate redress to victims. These changes must include a closer relationship between equal opportunity and the Human Rights Charter frameworks, reformed legal definitions, and an enhanced capaci...	Published 07-01-2008	232kb

Submission to the Principal Legal Officer, AG's department, Civil Justice Division The federation congratulates the government on its commitment to "tak(ing) seriously allegations of discrimination and condemn(ing) discrimination in all its forms". We also welcome the governments commitment to developing age discrimination legislation...	Published 04-02-2002	497kb

Drugs

Submission to the Victorian Parliament Drugs and Prevention Crime Committee Inquiry into the Impact of Drug-Related Offending on Female Prisoner Numbers The Federation strongly endorses the joint submissions to the Inquiry from Flat Out Inc and the Centre for the Human Rights of Imprisoned People, and from our member centre PILCH (Homeless Persons Legal Clinic) and the Council to Homeless Persons. Women who commit drug-related crimes tend to be some of the most vulnerable members of o...	Published 06-07-2010	202kb

Letter to Victorian MPs concerning the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Bill The Federation wrote the Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, and other members of Parliament, expressing our concern that the Bill is incompatible with human rights recognised under the Victorian Charter, and that there is no robust research evidence to justify the human rights restrictions proposed.	Published 29-01-2010	201kb

Submission to Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee on the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Bill 2009 The Federation believes that the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Bill is incompatible with human rights recognised under the Victorian Charter. Our submission discusses research on the efficacy of compulsory treatment, and concludes that there is no robust evidence to justify the human rights restrictions proposed in the Bill.	Published 22-01-2010	271kb

Inhalation of Volatile Substances In response to volatile substance abuse (VSA), in particular, abuse by young people and children, the Federation of Community Legal Centres advocates (non-police) protective intervention and well resourced on-going support services for children and young people affected by VSA.	Published 04-03-2002	400kb

Submission to the Drug Policy Expert Committee The concept of harm minimisation is widely accepted as an appropriate guiding principle in the formation of drug policy. The Federation supports this goal, but argues that within the framework of harm minimisation, it is crucial that the committee does not restrict its scope to the minimisation of health related harms. The Committee should not igno...	Published 06-12-1999	821kb

Family Violence

Submission to Senate Inquiry into Domestic Violence in Australia The Federation explains why community legal centre help is important for victims of family violence, and addresses the impact of the crisis of capacity to provide legal assistance in both Victoria and Australia. The appendices are available here: Appendix 1 - Family violence case scenario (Eastern CLC) Appendix 2 - Case study (Easter...	Published 22-08-2014	495kb

Background: Conflict with National Plan of Action Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children and Clause 4 of the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Bill 2014 Background to conflict between Clause 4 of the Bill and Victoria’s commitment to the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children If Clause 4 of the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Bill 2014 is not amended or removed and the Bill is passed, the Victorian Government will have directly contravened Aus...	Published 23-05-2014	173kb

Joint letter to Victorian Nationals MLCs arguing for the amendment or opposition of Clause 4 of the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Bill 2014 (‘the Bill’)	Published 23-05-2014	442kb

Joint letter to Geoff Shaw MP Protection of Children Bill 2014 The Federation joined with 10 other peak bodies and family violence/sexual assault services in urging Geoff Shaw MP to support an amendment to the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Bill 2014.	Published 02-05-2014	419kb

Joint letter Women LNP MPs Protection of Children Bill 2014 The Federation joined with 10 other peak bodies and family violence/sexual assault services in urging women Government MPs to support an amendment to the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Bill 2014.	Published 01-05-2014	433kb

Joint submission on the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-22 The Federation has joined with 7 other peak bodies and family violence specialists to urge Commonwealth and State Governments to address key gaps in the protection of victims and accountability of perpetrators.	Published 31-03-2014	862kb

Joint Submission on Department of Justice Defensive Homicide: Proposals for Legislative Reform Consultation Paper The Federation, together with four other organisations and individuals and 12 endorsers, submits that family violence is still not sufficiently recognised in homicide cases, and that therefore women who kill in family violence contexts must continue to have a defensive homicide ‘safety net’.	Published 13-12-2013	884kb

Joint Response to Department of Justice Proposal to Streamline the Family Violence Intervention Order System The Federation has united with eight other community organisations to oppose proposals to manage increased family violence court demand, which we believe would compromise women’s safety and reduce perpetrator accountability.	Published 13-12-2013	333kb

Submission on National Centre of Excellence to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children Research Agenda The NCE should research best practice service responses by analysing short, medium and long-term pathways and outcomes for victims and perpetrators, in policing, legal services, the courts and men's behavior change. More research is needed with disadvantaged communities to identify ‘what works.	Published 25-10-2013	73kb

Submission on National Consultation re Foundation for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and their Children We believe that there are valuable prevention opportunities at all stages of victim and perpetrator trajectories and service systems. This submission focuses specifically on the role of family/domestic violence death reviews in preventing future homicides.	Published 20-09-2013	64kb

Letter to Attorney-General opposing ‘failure to protect’ law Together with 11 other community organisations, the Federation believes that the report of the Protecting Vulnerable Children Inquiry presents an opportunity for the Government to reassess its commitment to introducing a ‘failure to protect’ law in Victoria.	Published 24-05-2012	315kb

Submission on the Action Plan Consultation Framework for Addressing Violence against Women and their Children The Federation advocates for the centrality of the justice system in the Victorian Government's continuation of the integrated response to family violence, and the need to address a crisis in the capacity of magistrates courts to deal with increased number of family violence intervention order applications.	Published 23-03-2012	798kb

Letter to Attorney-General seeking urgent funds for Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths The Federation has joined with 11 other non-government organisation members of the Victorian Systemic Review of Family Violence Deaths Reference Group, expressing our extreme concern that the Review has not been funded since July 2010, and seeking continued support from Government for this important work.	Published 22-02-2012	162kb

Failure to Protect Laws Submission 7 September 2011 The partner organisations agree that rates of child abuse are unacceptably high in Victoria and that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children. However, the introduction of the proposed failure to protect laws is strongly opposed. The proposed laws will not protect children from violence and abuse.	Published 07-09-2011	282kb

Joint Submission to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation: Family Violence The Federation responds to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation along with Domestic Violence Victoria, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria and No To Violence. We submit that achieving core consistencies in protection of women from family violence is necessary for Australia to...	Published 02-09-2011	124kb

National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation: Right to Life and Family Violence The Federation addresses gaps in the Baseline Study concerning the right of women to be protected from free from domestic/family violence homicides. The Commonwealth Government should provide leadership through the Council of Australian Governments and the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to establish, in consultation with advocates and ...	Published 02-09-2011	266kb

Joint Submission to National Justice CEOs Group on National Guidelines or Principles for Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters The Federation, Domestic Violence Victoria, InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria, and No To Violence Male Family Violence Prevention Association believe that it is premature and inappropriate to consider principles ...	Published 11-07-2011	186kb

Joint Submission to Senate Inquiry into Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011 The Federation, Domestic Violence Victoria, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria and Victorian Women’s Trust support many of the Bill’s proposed changes but also believe that further changes are needed to prioritise the safety of children and other family members.	Published 28-04-2011	169kb

Federation Submission on VLA Family Law Guidelines The Federation broadly supports the proposed change in focus in Victoria Legal Aid’s family law guidelines but is concerned about the some of the impacts of the proposed changes and recommends measures to mitigate the negative impacts.	Published 15-03-2011	208kb

Joint Submission to the ALRC Family Violence Inquiry 2010 Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry - Family Violence: Improving Legal Frameworks The Federation, together with Domestic Violence Victoria, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria and Victorian Women With Disabilities Network, made an extensive submission based on our ongoing experience of Victoria’s integrated response to fami...	Published 01-07-2010	586kb

Submission to Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 The Federation welcomes the introduction of this Bill, which provides legal recognition for same sex marriages and therefore recognises the right of same sex couples to legal equality and to be free from discrimination.	Published 28-08-2009	194kb

Victorian Family Violence Justice Reform Campaign – Comments on Draft Family Violence Bill Draft Family Violence Bill, feedback as a member of the Victorian Family Violence Justice Reform Campaign.	Published 05-05-2008	93kb

Victorian Family Violence Justice Reform Campaign – Letter on Draft Family Violence Bill As part of the second consultation process on the draft Family Violence Bill, the Campaign congratulates the Department of Justice and the Victorian Government on the significant reforms embodied in the draft. The Campaign suggests further improvements to the carers’ provisions, and stresses the need for education and training of professional...	Published 05-05-2008	134kb

Draft Family Violence Bill The Federation recommends that the Bill be amended so that all significant carer relationships are potentially covered by the Bill. The Federation argues that to exclude carer relationships simply because they are paid or involve formal arrangements breaches the human rights of persons who are dependent on those carers.	Published 10-10-2007	198kb

Draft Family Violence Bill, submission as a member of the Victorian Family Violence Justice Reform Campaign The Campaign congratulates the Government on most aspects of the draft Bill, but recommends some significant changes. These include: the addition of Guiding Principles; the inclusion of domestic violence in the definition of family violence; the inclusion of carer relationships as relationships potentially covered by the Bill, whether those relatio...	Published 08-10-2007	647kb

Response to the VLRC's Review of Family Violence Laws needed to improve our family violence laws. It is the result of a partnership with almost 20 community legal centres, the law firm Blake Dawson Waldron, Federation staff and volunteers.	Published 06-03-2006	265kb

Submission to Cth AG's Department on the Government’s Discussion Paper 'A New Approach to the Family Law System' Comments on the Australian Government’s Discussion Paper “A New Approach to the Family Law System – Implementation of Reforms – 10th November 2004”	Published 02-01-2006	41kb

Submission to the HOR's Review of Exposure Draft of the Family Law Amendment The Federation endorses the recommendations contained in the National Network of Women’s Legal Services submission. The Federation is concerned that the Exposure Draft places at risk the fundamental principle in our family law system that the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration. We are also concerned that alternative d...	Published 04-07-2005	47kb

West Heidelberg CLS: Review of Intervention Orders This report was undertaken by Clinical Legal Education students enrolled in Law at La Trobe University for and on behalf of the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service and La Trobe Law.	Published 02-02-2004	314kb

Inquiry into the Presumption of Joint Custody Inquiry into the presumption of joint custody	Published 04-08-2003	333kb

ADR - Its role in Federal Dispute Resolution Submission discusses ADR with regard to Family Dispute Settlement. Refers to Federation Sumission 'Rethinking Family Law Proceedings'.	Published 03-08-1998	695kb

Superannuation and Family Law It is crucial that an equitable and consistent manner of dealing with superannuation be developed for parties dividing superannuation interests in a separation	Published 06-07-1998	214kb

Rethinking Family Law Proceedings Discussion of the problems and information needs arising out of the current family litigation procedures. Examination of suggested reforms to Family Law Proceedings	Published 02-02-1998	1.0mb

Delivery of Primary Dispute Resolution Services in Family Law Submission is response to the Attorney-General's Discussion Paper prepared by the Violence Against Women and Children Working Group	Published 03-11-1997	217kb

Family Violence and Family Law Act Review Prepared by the Violence Against Women and Children Working Group of the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic.). Endorsed February 1998.

Same Sex Relationships and the Law Discussion on current Equal Opportunity Act and options for recognition of same sex relationships in law

Sumbsission of Women's Legal Service on Family Law Amendment Bill 1999 An example of what happens when women lack the whole financial picture is sexually transmitted debt, which financial counsellors see an increasing amount of, where women are persuaded to put their names to loans generated by, and in the interests of their partner.

Fines and Infringements

On track to fairer fares and fines A position paper of the Federation's Infringements Working Group making seven recommendations in pursuit of a more just and equitable public transport fares and fines system. Public transport plays a critical role helping people access services, education, employment and community life. As it stands, however, Victoria’s public transport s...	Published 18-04-2016	988kb

Infringements trial – shop theft and wilful damage The Infringements Working Group made a submission to the review of the Infringements Trial. It remains our position that it is not appropriate to widen the scope of the infringements system to encompass additional offences which have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable members of the community. This includes the offences of shop theft and wi...	Published 11-11-2011	260kb

Feedback to Infringements System Oversight Unit on revocations process The Infringements Working Group was invited to provide feedback to the Infringements Oversight Unit on ways to improve the revocations process. We note our continued concerns about the unfair operation of the infringements system on our client group and the need for structural change. We provide 16 specific recommendations to improve its opera...	Published 14-10-2011	231kb

Infringements Trial Evaluation submission Feb 2011 The Federation gives feedback on the Infringements Trial, in particular with regard to its fairness and impact on vulnerable members of the community.	Published 04-02-2011	230kb

Submission on Proposed Expansion of the Infringement System The Federation does not support expansion of Victoria’s infringement system to include more complex summary offences until the infringement system is proven to be able to address the complex needs of CLC clients.	Published 07-05-2007	44kb

Disadvantages and Fines: The enforcement of Unpaid Fines Against Financially and Socially Disadvantaged People Submission regarding the enforcement of unpaid fines against financially and socially disadvantaged people	Published 04-08-2003	622kb

Report on Outstanding Fines and Unexecuted Warrants [P]eople who don't pay their fines are not all avoiding payment ... many just cannot pay	Published 02-03-1998	180kb

West Heidelberg CLS: Review of PERIN system of Fine Enforcement (2004) This report was undertaken by Clinical Legal Education students enrolled in Law at La Trobe University for and on behalf of the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service and La Trobe Law.

Human rights

Submission: 2015 Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) Since its introduction, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) has resulted in a greater capacity to negotiate good outcomes for community legal centre clients when dealing with public authorities. The Charter has also led to a number of improvements in government procedure, policy and practice and has seen the human rig...	Published 15-06-2015	409kb

Tracking Protective Services Officers: Insights from the first 3 years This report documents cases of Protective Services Officers exceeding their powers by demanding personal information from commuters without legal justification and where no offence has been committed, forcibly searching commuters who do not comply, and using excessive force in a range of circumstances, including against vulnerable people. Re...	Published 09-06-2015	595kb

Submission to VLA options paper on high quality criminal trials In this submission to Victoria Legal Aid, we recognise the value in ongoing systemic review to improve issues in the criminal justice system. We submit that any changes to the way public funds for trials are allocated must be made in a manner that promotes both fairness and efficiency. We are particularly concerned about the impact of some of th...	Published 20-03-2014	329kb

Submission to SARC on the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013 This submission was made to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) of the Parliament of Victoria regarding the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013. The submission expresses concerns regarding the expansion of police powers to issue move-on orders, and the introduction of new exclusion orders, which together signifi...	Published 03-02-2014	132kb

Submission to Vic Pol Community Consultation	Published 20-08-2013	237kb

CLC Joint letter Com Ken Lay public review Vic pol In this joint CLC letter to Victoria Police, we call for meaningful and effective community consultation in the public review of Victoria Police policy and training to address community concerns about racial profiling within Victoria Police.	Published 27-03-2013	334kb

Joint letter to Ministers on the removal of young people from adult jails On 22 November 2012, the Federation submitted a joint letter to the Minister for Corrections, Andrew Macintosh, and the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge, calling for an inquiry into the placement of young people under 18 years of age in Victoria's adult prisons, together with law reform to end the practice. The letter was sup...	Published 07-12-2012	357kb

Submission on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse This submission outlines complementary ways to provide effective participation by victims in the Royal Commission, including a proposal to establish a Victims Advocate body to support the participation of victims, including by legal representation.	Published 27-11-2012	242kb

Submission on Issues for Australia’s 5th Report under the Convention Against Torture The Federation submits that the Australian Government should include detailed information on its progress to respect, protect and fulfil women’s right to be free from family violence, including how it is addressing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and the need for effective and ‘joined up’ family/domest...	Published 04-11-2011	351kb

Australian Inquest Alliance Submission to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation The Federation is a member of the Australian Inquest Alliance. The Alliance advocates that the need for reform of coronial systems across Australia must be addressed in the Baseline Study and subsequent National Human Rights Action Plan, so that social justice may be effectively pursued for those who have died in circumstances where the death m...	Published 02-09-2011	1.9mb

Joint Submission to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation: Family Violence The Federation responds to the National Human Rights Action Plan Baseline Study Consultation along with Domestic Violence Victoria, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria and No To Violence. We submit that achieving core consistencies in protection of women from family violence is necessary for Australia to...	Published 02-09-2011	124kb

Supplementary submission to the Victorian Charter Review 2011 SARC invited the Federation to provide further information on how the Charter protects the interests of victims of crime. Our supplementary submission outlines a range of Charter rights relevant to victims, such as the right to life, the right to liberty and security of the person, and the right to privacy. We provide case studies from Europe t...	Published 02-08-2011	271kb

Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Council on statutory minimum sentences for gross violence The Federation strongly opposes the government’s policy to introduce statutory minimum sentences.	Published 01-07-2011	149kb

Federation of CLCs Submission to the Victorian Charter Review The Federation’s submission seeks to represent the voices of our client base and to make their interests known to the Review Committee. We identified a number of major benefits of the Charter including how it is helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged Victorians through securing concrete improvements to lives of individuals and famil...	Published 16-06-2011	416kb

Submission on the National Human Rights Action Plan Background Paper The Federation endorsed the submissions of the HRLRC and NACLC and reiterated our disappointment that the National Human Rights Framework does not include a federal Human Rights Charter. The Federation welcomed the recent pledge by the Commonwealth Attorney General to provide the HRLRC with $100,000 to support the Centre in the coordination of N...	Published 25-02-2011	205kb

Submission to the Tasmanian Human Rights Charter Inquiry The Federation response to the Tasmanian Government’s inquiry into the adoption of a Human Rights Charter. In this submission the Federation calls for all of Australia's human rights obligations to be enshrined in a Charter. The Federation shares the Attorney General’s view that a just and inclusive society requires the protectio...	Published 27-01-2011	442kb

Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2010 The Federation welcomes the introduction of this Bill, given the overwhelming support for a federal Human Rights Act found by the National Human Rights Consultation Committee. We believe that proper protection and promotion of human rights requires a legislative dialogue model of human rights which engages the executive, legislative and judicial...	Published 04-08-2010	204kb

Letter to Victorian Attorney-General concerning the Equal Opportunity Bill 2010 The Federation congratulates the Attorney-General on various aspects of the Bill, but urges amendments consistent with its enhanced objectives of protecting human rights. We also emphasise the need to support the Bill with well-resourced practical measures, and urge the Government to make a commitment to a timely review of the issues concerning tra...	Published 23-03-2010	198kb

Submission to Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee on the Equal Opportunity Bill 2010 The Federation supports many of the changes proposed by the Bill, because they provide for more effective protection and promotion of the right to equality as set out in the Victorian Human Rights Charter. However, we believe that other aspects of the Bill are incompatible with the Charter, including the failure to proscribe discrimination on the b...	Published 18-03-2010	221kb

Submission to Inquiry into various Bills related to the NT Intervention The Federation particularly expressed its concern that the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) will not be immediately reinstated, and that other measures of the NT Emergency Response have not been redesigned to ensure that they are complaint with the RDA. We also strongly oppose the expansion of income quarantining across the Northern Territor...	Published 02-02-2010	223kb

Submission on Parole Board’s exemption from the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities The Parole Board serves an important purpose, in overseeing prisoners’ gradual and supervised release into the community. A human rights framework would enhance the Board’s decision-making and provide an important safeguard for prisoners.	Published 25-11-2009	238kb

Letters to Prime Minister and Commonwealth Attorney-General supporting a Human Rights Act for Australia The Federation urges the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Attorney-General to lead and support the implementation of the recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation Report, including especially, legislating for a federal Human Rights Act.	Published 23-11-2009	195kb

Submission on the Summary Offences & Control of Weapons Bill 2009 A submission to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. The Federation opposes the Summary Offences and Control of Weapons Acts Amendment Bill 2009. The Bill’s “move on” and police search powers are inconsistent with fundamental human rights.	Published 20-11-2009	243kb

Submission to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department in response to the National Security Legislation Discussion Paper on Proposed Amendments The Federation in conjunction with the National Association of Community Legal Centres seeks to provide responses to the Federal Government's counter terrorism reform proposals through the lens of the communities we work with who are affected by Australia's counterterrorism laws, policies and practices, both directly and indirectly.	Published 19-10-2009	691kb

Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security Review of the Relisting of the Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Kurdistan Workers Party, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Palestinian Islamic Jihad The Federation maintains our concerns about the listing provisions contained in Division 102 of Schedule 1 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995. In this case we urge the Committee to recommend disallowance of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as a Terrorist Organisation and articulate our concerns about the re-listing as terrorist organi...	Published 12-10-2009	391kb

Submission to Senate Committee on Anti-terror Law Reforms Bill September 2009 The Federation strongly supports the Anti-Terrorism Laws Reform Bill 2009 (hereafter referred to simply as The Bill). The Bill is the first step in addressing some of the communities' deeply held concerns about Australia's counter-terrorism response since September 2001 and should be supported by all in the Federal Parliament who seek to...	Published 09-09-2009	379kb

Submission to VLRC Independent Persons September 2009 The Federation strongly supports legislative reform of section 464E of the Crimes Act which requires the presence of another adult in a police interview, where a young person is suspected of committing an offence. It is well documented that the presence of a trained support person is a necessary part of a humane, fair, just, age appropriate, effici...	Published 09-09-2009	326kb

Submission on Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Review of the Exceptions and Exemptions to the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 The Federation endorses Human Rights Law Resource Centre's submission that the exceptions in the Equal Opportunity Act should be repealed and replaced by a general balancing test from s 7(2) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, supported by more detailed guidelines. As a less favoured alternative, we prioritise certain provisio...	Published 10-07-2009	386kb

Response to National Human Rights Consultation June 2009 This submission outlines the need for a federal Human Rights Act. Present approaches to human rights protection are neither effective nor equitable. Protection and promotion of human rights requires a legislative dialogue model of human rights which offers accessible redress for those whose rights have been violated.	Published 15-06-2009	413kb

Submission on the Draft Model Spent Convictions Bill This submission argues for effective protection against discrimination on the grounds of an irrelevant criminal record, stopping the release of non-convictions on criminal record checks and laws that prohibit trading in criminal record information without an individual's consent.	Published 09-02-2009	288kb

Review of the Exceptions and Exemptions in the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Victoria) This submission to the Department of Justice calls for significant reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act (1995). The Federation believes that in the present framework of the Act, none of the exceptions are reasonable limitations on the right to equality.	Published 07-04-2008	138kb

Doing Justice: Bill of Rights The Federation has begun an ongoing series, ‘Doing Justice: The Quick Guide to Justice Policy Issues’. This first guide explains why Australia needs a federal Bill of Human Rights.	Published 10-11-2007	154kb

Human Rights Observer Team Final Report: G20 Protests The Federation's report on the G20 protests November 17-19, 2006, in Melbourne. This report critically examines the largest and most public policing operation in Victoria since the protests against the World Economic Forum (WEF) in September 2000.	Published 07-11-2006	495kb

Proposed Amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act The Federation strongly measures that address institutional and systemic barriers to opportunity and to the advancement of human rights in Victoria. The Federation acknowledges that there are limitations to the impact that legal processes can have on addressing the causes and effects of poverty. The continued expanding gap between rich and poor in ...	Published 03-07-2006	42kb

Feedback to the Human Rights Consultation Committee's Final Report The Federation welcomes the Committee's recommendation of a Human Rights Charter for Victoria and we acknowledge and commend the Bracks' Government's commitment to the implementation of such a Charter.	Published 02-01-2006	74kb

Response to Discrimination in Employment on the Basis of Criminal Record Discussion Paper This February 2005 response supports submissions and recommendations made by Fitzroy Legal Service, Jobwatch, and Public Interest Law Clearinghouse.	Published 07-02-2005	39kb

Submission on A-G's Proposal to Prohibit Discrimination against the Homeless and Unemployed The Federation supports increased protections of human rights, including the right to be free from discrimination. We wholeheartedly support the proposed amendment. If enacted, this proposal will assist to overcome discrimination against individuals in the community by providing an opportunity for redress. Furthermore, the proposed amendment is a s...	Published 07-02-2005	48kb

Response to Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003 FCLC Response to the Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003	Published 07-04-2003	211kb

Response to Human Rights Ammendment Bill 1996 The bill proposes that contested discrimination matters will be heard by the Federal Court and not HREOC. The federation is concerned about the issue of access to the Federal Court and is writing to inform you of our observations derived from our position within the community	Published 04-08-1997	200kb

Submission on Human Rights Legislation Ammendment Bill 1997 Discussion of Bill, the sorts of people that are complainants before the HREOC and the Bill's impact on CLC's	Published 03-03-1997	456kb

Homelessness and the Right to Social Security This submission was made by the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic in response to the Commonwealth Government's Reform of Income Support for Working-Age People.

Open Letter to The Prime Minister regarding upcoming national consultation The AHRG welcomes the upcoming national public consultation on the legal recognition and protection of humand rights in Australia, but stresses the need for an open and fair process.

Right Off: The Attack on Human Rights In Australia (2002) This report documents the way in which rights are "off" the current government agenda, and have been "off" from the early 1990s onwards. The report discusses treaty body reports and current human rights violations in relation to the six major human rights treaties to which Australia is a party.

Submission to Human Rights Consultation Committee in Response to 'Have Your Say About Human Rights in Victoria' (August 2005) The Federation strongly supports the adoption of a Charter of Human Rights for Victoria, incorporating economic, social and cultural rights and freedoms as well as civil and political rights and freedoms. The Charter should first be passed as legislation and later entrenched in the Constitution. The Federation urges the Committee to fully resource ...