I rise to speak on the Victoria Legal Aid annual report 2008-09. I would like to
start off by saying that it is a pleasure to stand in this chamber and speak on
what is a very important part of our legal system and social justice in
Victoria.
Most people are aware of the important work of legal aid, but
sometimes I think we tend to associate its work solely with court matters and
representation in court procedures for those who need assistance on legal
matters but who cannot afford a private lawyer. However, the role of legal aid
is much more diverse and wide ranging. A lot of work is done through mediation
and through other alternative dispute resolution procedures, but it is the legal
assistance through times of extreme difficulty — financially, socially and emotionally — for which legal aid is
sometimes not recognised, and that is what I would like to expand on this
morning.
In February this year Victoria experienced the worst bushfires
this state has ever seen, which resulted in nothing less than catastrophic
circumstances. The damage to homes, infrastructure and most importantly people’s
lives was simply horrific. The recovery effort has been amazing, with excellent
support from every avenue, and Victoria Legal Aid has been very much a part of
this.
During the reporting period Victoria Legal Aid has assisted
many of those whose lives were affected by the tragic events of February. For
example, it supported people in locating lost or destroyed identity papers,
negotiating with credit providers and government departments and on matters
relating to insurance providers.
Victoria Legal Aid also played a very important role in
assisting Victorians during the global financial crisis, providing much-needed
debt advice and consumer law information. During this time it has been
increasingly important for people to understand how to negotiate their household
and consumer contracts and to stay afloat on a financial level, and Victoria
Legal Aid has played a significant role in this.
As well as addressing these particular challenges, Victoria
Legal Aid is continuing to provide — and to excel in providing — a very
important service. Client demand is on the increase: demand for duty lawyer
services has increased by 10 per cent. There has also been a 6 per cent increase
in telephone information assistance. In response to this the Brumby Labor
government has committed an extra $24.7 million to Victoria Legal Aid in what
has proved to be a very difficult fiscal year.
As I mentioned earlier, during these difficult times it is
essential that bodies such as Victoria Legal Aid be able to perform their role
in the community and provide the highest level of social justice possible.
I also take this opportunity to particularly thank the staff at
the four regional offices in the electorate of Western Victoria Region —
Ballarat, Horsham, Geelong and Warrnambool — who serve those communities
extremely well and are highly regarded. I would like to congratulate Victoria
Legal Aid on a particularly challenging but extremely successful reporting
period, and I wish it well in this reporting period. I commend this report to
the house.