Monthly Archives: May 2015

New restrictions on who can be helped will worsen the impact of deep cuts to community legal centres

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The impact of deep Federal Budget cuts to free legal assistance will be increased by proposed new restrictions on who community legal centres can help under a new funding agreement, according to the Federation of Community Legal Centres, the State peak for 50 community legal centres in Victoria.

Under the proposed changes being fast-tracked by the Federal Government, it is no longer sufficient to be financially disadvantaged or to fall within a priority group to obtain free legal help; those who receive free legal help from community legal centres must be experiencing financial disadvantage and fall within a named priority group. Continue reading →

Deferred Budget cuts offer only short term relief for Victorians in need of free legal help

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Despite the reversal of community legal centre cuts planned for Victoria in the next two years, the 2015 Federal Budget has failed to ensure that funding for legal assistance keeps pace with the growing need for free legal help among disadvantaged Victorians, according to State community legal peak, the Federation of Community Legal Centres.

‘The Government’s decision not to proceed with Victorian cuts from 1 July 2015 is welcome but offers limited relief to a sector struggling to meet demand,’ said Federation executive officer, Liana Buchanan, today. Continue reading →

Budget sees modest but welcome investment in free legal help for disadvantaged Victorians

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The Victorian State Budget includes modest but welcome investment in free legal help for disadvantaged Victorians, according to State community legal peak, the Federation of Community Legal Centres.

‘We’re pleased to see $2m over two years to support the vital services provided by community legal centres through a CLC Assistance Fund, as well as further investment to meet some of the urgent demand pressures faced by family violence duty lawyers in Magistrates’ Courts and provide other family violence legal help,’ Ms Buchanan said. Continue reading →

Report recommends action to address PSOs exceeding powers and using excessive force

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Thursday 30 April 2015 – embargoed until 12.00am Friday 1 May 2015

PSO_Report_Cover_WebA report to be released on Friday by the Federation of Community Legal Centres has made eight recommendations to address serious concerns over Protective Services Officers exceeding their powers and using excessive force.

‘We are publishing this report to urge constructive solutions to the disturbing issues it raises,’ said Michelle McDonnell, a senior policy adviser with the Federation, today.

Tracking Protective Services Officers: Insights from the first three years details the findings of Your Rights On Track, a community legal project undertaken by the Federation from 2012–15 in partnership with Youthlaw. Continue reading →