Women and children escaping family violence and Victorians with mental illness are among those who will benefit from the Andrews Labor Government’s funding boost for organisations providing legal assistance and programs.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula announced $4.55 million in grants today on the 10th anniversary of the Victorian Legal Services Board grant funding program.
Under the program, 18 organisations will share in the 2018 funding allocation to provide support to deal with a wide range of community legal issues including family violence, women’s prison programs, and legal education in ethnically diverse communities.
A key project funded under this year’s grant program is Anglicare Victoria’s Clean Slates: A health justice partnership between Gippsland Community Legal Service and Community Mental Health Service – which will provide more accessible and timely access to legal services for people with mental health problems in the Latrobe region.
During the past 10 years, the Victorian Legal Services Board grant program has awarded more than $39 million in grants to improve the administration of laws, increase access to justice, improve legal services and inform and educate the community about legal issues.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“This program is making a difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable people, including victims of family violence and people with mental illness.”
“I’m pleased to be announcing this year’s successful grant applicants, and I congratulate each of the 18 organisations for their innovative projects and commitment to increasing access to justice for Victorians.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020