- Published:
- Tuesday 28 June 2022 at 12:50 am
Proposed changes to operation of metropolitan duty lawyer services
We are considering some changes to the arrangements for child protection private practitioner duty lawyer services in metropolitan courts.
These are proposed to help ensure the supply and organisation of services is well-matched to demand, particularly with the opening of the Children’s Court in Dandenong in early 2023.
They would also align with the introduction of new contract arrangements for private practitioner short service schemes. The proposed changes impact private firms delivering child protection duty lawyer services in metropolitan courts only.
We are keen to hear feedback from practitioners about these proposed changes. We understand there may be different implications for firms depending on their size and location and invite firms to provide written feedback or arrange a meeting with us to discuss.
Download the consultation paper setting out the proposed changes under Key Documents.
Updates to Duty Lawyer Service Manual
We will also be amending the Child Protection Duty Lawyer Service Manual to update language, align with the new application and contract process for private practitioner short service schemes, and address some gaps identified since the Manual was first published in 2019.
The expectations set out in the Manual apply to all legal practitioners delivering child protection duty lawyer services statewide, including VLA staff, private practitioners, CLCs and Aboriginal Legal Services.
Providing feedback
You can provide written feedback or request a meeting by contacting Jackie Anders, Manager Child Protection Projects on jackie.anders@vla.vic.gov.au prior to COB Friday 15 July 2022.
Download an overview of the key proposed changes under key documents. We welcome your thoughts on these, and any further changes or additions to the manual you think are required.
Key documents
Updated