Record Funding For Community Legal Services
More vulnerable Victorians will have access to community legal services with continued support from the Allan Labor Government.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny today announced a record investment of more than $19 million for justice and support community legal services through the Victorian Legal Services Board’s (VLSB) grants program.
The funding will help 16 community programs improve access to legal services – many of which focus on making sure vulnerable people have access to secure housing. This includes victims of family violence, young people experiencing homelessness and more.
The Peninsula Community Legal Centre (CLC) and Southside Justice and South East Community Links’ REACHHer Pilot will receive $2 million to support women fleeing family violence by providing access to integrated legal services, financial counselling and secure housing.
The Advocacy and Rights Centre will receive $2.7 million for the Collaborate for Change: Advancing Housing Justice in Regional Victoria project, which brings together six regional CLCs to improve housing justice services in rural and remote areas.
The Mental Health Legal Centre will receive $1 million for its project with Mind Australia to help people with psychosocial disabilities find secure and safe housing.
Peninsula CLC, Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre, South-East Monash Legal Service, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service and West Heidelberg Community Legal will also receive $1 million each to strengthen legal assistance for locals.
Since 2007, the VLSB grant program has funded innovative projects supporting people with complex legal problems who struggle to access the legal help they need.
For more details on the VLSB grants program and the complete list of recipients, visit the VLSB website.
As stated by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny
“Every Victorian deserves fair and accessible legal support – no matter who they are, where they live or what their circumstances are.”
“By funding these critical programs, we’re ensuring more Victorians can get the help they need to navigate the legal system – from housing justice to family violence support, these grants will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
As stated by VLSB Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Fiona McLeay
“The Victorian Legal Services Board’s grants program is growing, delivering $19.3 million in Public Purpose Fund support to 16 programs in this round.”
“I look forward to seeing the far-reaching outcomes delivered by all our successful grantees as they work tirelessly to improve access to justice for Victorians.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/250319-Record-Funding-For-Community-Legal-Services-pdf.pdf