Victoria Law Foundation

"I get two reactions when I tell people here that we have compulsory voting: they’re either horrified at the prospect and immediately say ‘it could never work here’, or they’re intrigued and I see them begin to roll through the implications in their minds. " Over the last few weeks, VLF Executive Director Lynne Haultain has been a fly on the wall of the American democratic process ahead of the 2024 election. In this editorial, she shares her reflections on the challenges of fostering genuine civic engagement in Atlanta, Georgia, while also exploring the similarities and differences between the U.S. model of democratic participation and that of Australia. Read now: https://zurl.co/RHuR

"It’s now easier than ever for children and young people to find the information they want, save it, and share it with their friends, families and communities." Join Caitlin Caruana in our upcoming webinar to learn how Westjustice enhanced engagement with young people by using Instagram for community legal education. "We’ve been able to reach more and more young people and give them access to the information – when, where and how they need it. " Register now for the free, 30-minute session https://zurl.co/7ej4

Calling all previous VLF interns – where are you now? Since 2002, more than 400 law students have taken part in internships through VLF and have transitioned into exciting and varied careers in the law and beyond - that’s quite a network! Our interns have a very special place in our organisation and we are keen to ensure that previous interns have an opportunity to stay engaged with our work. We are reaching out previous VLF interns to invite you to share your experience with us and tell us where you are now! Al we ask for is five minutes of your time to fill out this quick survey: https://zurl.co/Wxgk

📢 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY – We Need Your Help! 📢 Monash University is conducting research for the Equality Law Capability Project, in collaboration with Westjustice and with the support of a Victoria Law Foundation Knowledge Grant 2024. The Project is investigating the legal needs of people who identify as belonging to one of four culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia if they face problems involving workplace discrimination or sexual harassment. An online survey has been launched as part of this Project. The survey provides all participants with important information about their legal rights and where to get help. The online survey is open to anyone who: 🤝 is aged 18 years and over; and 🤝 lives, works or studies in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia; and 🤝 identifies as belonging to the Vietnamese, Afghan, Indian or South Sudanese communities in Melbourne. We want to hear from you! You can find the survey at this link: https://lnkd.in/gXABtN-C 🌟 Survey participants can go in a draw to win one of four Coles vouchers valued at $25.00 🌟 The survey is open until 20 November 2024. At the end of the survey, participants are also asked if they would like information about attending a group meeting. Please consider joining a group meeting later in the year! The findings of the Project will inform evidence-based change in relation to the how legal services are delivered by Westjustice. More broadly, they will be used to identify gaps and challenges in existing laws and inform pathways towards better access to justice. Thank you for your help! 📣 The online survey is available at: https://lnkd.in/gXABtN-C 📣 More info about the online survey including templates that can be used to promote it are available at: https://lnkd.in/gfBRBCmw 📣 More info about the Project is available at: https://lnkd.in/gDpi8CWm #workplacelaw #sexualharassment #discrimination #legalcapability #research #westernsuburbs #VLFknowledgegrant

On the final day of the 2024 International Access to Justice Conference, VLF Executive Director Lynne presented on a new research paper in Toronto! Using new PULS data and findings, the paper explores the links between health and experience of legal problems, seeking to better understand the intersections between health and legal capability at a population level. The 2024 International Access to Justice Forum brings together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, policy makers and court and dispute resolution experts to discuss exciting new developments and ongoing challenges in access to justice You can find out more here: https://zurl.co/VKfQ VLF Executive Director Lynne Haultain pictured with Eastern Community Legal Centre 's Donna Askew and Belinda Lo at Osgoode Hall Law School.

Join this online launch event of Consent Compass: Navigating Sex, Pleasure and the Law! Providing online learning materials and expert information, Consent Compass will be a tool for professionals that work with young people to have discussions about sex, pleasure, and the law. Consent Compass was developed as a partnership project between GenWest and Moonee Valley Legal Service, with the support a VLF grant and in consultation with legal educators, the Department of Education, young people and gender equity and sexuality educators. Register now: https://zurl.co/cjhV Online, 10.00 - 10.45am, Thursday 31 October.

VLF Senior Researcher Dr Georgina Rychner took the international stage yesterday to present on our new research project, Measure for Measure! At the 2024 International Access to Justice Forum, Georgie spoke to how Measure for Measure builds on the findings from our PULS and Data Mapping reports to examine effective strategies for addressing legal needs and capabilities throughout Victoria. The research aims to uncover both opportunities and obstacles in implementing people-centred justice approaches, including sustainable and scalable solutions. The 2024 International Access to Justice Forum brings together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, policy makers and court and dispute resolution experts to discuss exciting new developments and ongoing challenges in access to justice. You can find out more here: https://zurl.co/0o8n

Discover how justice can better meet the needs of communities in this upcoming event, Heal not Harm: Exploring Restorative Justice with Dr. Baz Dreisinger. As a justice reform activist and professor from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the United States Dr Baz Dreisinger has many unique insights into the justice system and the purpose of restorative justice. There will be a screening of her short film 'Heal not", which explores restorative justice in Rwanda, the US, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the screening, local restorative justice experts will join the discussion. Limited spots are available, so make sure to register now: https://zurl.co/yOtx Hosted by Neighbourhood Justice Centre at Collingwood Yards In person, Thursday 7 Nov 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM AEDT

Register now for this special Law Institute of Victoria Diversity event on 31 October! Featuring a panel of three distinguished legal professionals who will discuss how diversity and inclusion serve as effective governance tools in the workplace. The panel will consider: - What legal organisations need to do to comply with best practice in incorporating diversity and inclusion - The power of collating diversity data i.e. staff surveys, audits, etc. - Incorporating lived-experience perspectives of diversity into corporate governance strategies - How learning and development improves diversity in the legal profession. This event will provide attendees with 1 CPD Unit. Register now to attend: https://zurl.co/PXsF Registration will close two business days before the event.

Justice Connect has launched its latest research report, Navigating Financial Legal Problems in Victoria: Understanding Help-Seeker Behaviour to Enhance Intervention. This 18-month research reveals key insights into how Victorians navigate financial legal issues, highlighting service gaps in early intervention and introducing various debtor behaviour archetypes. The report provides practical steps for the legal sector to create more proactive, client- focused services that align with debtor needs. Discover how these findings can improve financial legal services: https://zurl.co/PEjt This research was supported by a Victoria Law Foundation grant.