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Budget funding supports early access to legal assistance

Published:
Tuesday 23 May 2023 at 7:20 am

Funding announced in the State Budget today will support Victorians to receive appropriate legal assistance, before making decisions that impact their lives.

‘The Budget provides funding for us to continue to support people through the Help Before Court program to receive early access to legal assistance. The program supports people who need to go to court to better prepare, create a better experience for clients and contributing to a more effective justice system for everyone.

Help Before Court gives our clients time to tell their story and understand their lawyer’s advice to consider the best approach to resolving their legal matter,’ said Louise Glanville, CEO Victoria Legal Aid.

We’re also pleased to see the ongoing focus on supporting victim-survivors of family violence to be assisted to navigate the legal system, reducing impact on families and improving safety outcomes.

The $22.8 million to provide Specialist Family Violence Legal Assistance in locations across Victoria means people experiencing family violence can access legal help that is safe to use and integrated within the family violence system.

‘Investing in early intervention and legal assistance is important to help people understand their options and in many instances be assisted with related matters. Legal services can link people to other supports including parenting arrangements, visa issues or child protection matters,’ said Louise.

The funding to continue therapeutic court programs, such as drug courts, will help people to receive intensive support which is tailored to their individual circumstances. We know these therapeutic options work for people, reducing reoffending and keeping the community safe.

We’ll work with government to secure long-term funding for these types of early intervention and resolution programs that improve Victorians’ experiences of the justice system.

Importantly, we welcome the funding for the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service to expand their Aboriginal Justice Hubs program across Victoria. This means that First Nations people and their communities will have greater access to justice.

More information

For media enquiries, contact Manager, Media, Communications and Engagement, Naomi Woodley on 0409 281 304 or naomi.woodley@vla.vic.gov.au

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