New Aboriginal Community Engagement Officers strengthen ties with regional communities

‘I love being a voice for those who haven’t been heard, ensuring my clients are culturally safe and supported, and educating our lawyers so they can gain improved cultural understanding.’ 

Our new Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer's Belinda Foley and Ashlee Rodgers, are providing a connection between First Nations peoples and our services.

Prioritising First Nations suppliers as we progress our Reconciliation Action Plan

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives, we’re aiming to increase the number of First Nations suppliers we work with to two percent of our total spend on goods and services. 

Learn how we’re working to achieve this.

Our evidence to decriminalise the personal use of cannabis 

The personal use of cannabis should be treated as a health and welfare issue, we recently told a parliamentary inquiry looking at cannabis use in Victoria.

‘I’m glad my voice was heard this time’ – Supreme Court win confirms the therapeutic approach of the Drug Court 

The therapeutic and recovery-focus of the Drug Court was affirmed in a recent appeal brought by our lawyers in the Supreme Court. Read about how we assisted Kon to receive a fairer outcome. 

Funding boost for mental health and child protection services 

New funding in the state budget will mean more Victorians will be able to receive earlier legal and non-legal support for mental health and child protection issues.  

Read our initial response. 

State Attorney-General gets insight into our Dandenong office’s work 

Attorney-General of Victoria, Jaclyn Symes visited our Dandenong office and was impressed with the volume and variety of work we undertake across the legal system. 

New advice and referrals service for clients affected by management of police informants 

We have launched a new advice and referral service for people who may have grounds for appeal following the findings of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants. 

Learn how to refer current or former clients to the service. 

Training for referring to new County Court drug treatment court  

Register to attend an information session for defence practitioners about how to refer clients to the new County Court Drug and Alcohol court pilot. 

Register directly and find out more about the new pilot.  

New public health measures at Victorian courts   

Face masks will be required to be worn indoors in all Supreme Court of Victoria buildings the County Court, and the Magistrates Court of Victoria due to the latest COVID-19 cases.

Practitioners are advised to check the relevant court websites for new updates.

Act for change – a panel discussion to inform the development of the new mental health act

As work begins on developing the 2022 Mental Health and Wellbeing Act, we’re hosting an online event to discuss how the new Act can help to deliver on the vision of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. 

When: Wednesday 9 June 11 am to 12:30 pm 

Where: Online via Zoom 

Places are limited so register for your free ticket now. 

Larissa Behrendt AO to deliver Sir Zelman Cowen Centre Oration

Victoria University is honoured to have Professor Larissa Behrendt AO deliver the SZCC Oration on Wednesday 23 June at 5pm.

Join the online event to hear her speak on a topic of critical importance to the justice system, 'The Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody 30 years on - where to now?'

Register for the free livestream via Eventbrite.