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Law Institute of Victoria welcomes funding boost
Increased funding to the Victorian frontline legal services will provide greater support and advice during COVID-19, according to the Law Institute of Victoria.
Naomi Neilson
The Victorian government has pledged to deliver $17.5 million to the Victorian community legal centres, for Victoria Legal Aid and Aboriginal legal services. The funding will aid the community on legal issues such as employment, family violence and housing issues.
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Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) president Sam Pandya welcomed the funding amid reports that legal services have had increased demand, complicated by the difficulty of accessing and speaking to a lawyer during the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
“People need increased legal advice and support during this crisis, so additional funding by governments to fund services is very welcome,” said Mr Pandya.
This funding boost is in addition to the federal government’s recent announcement that it would commit $63.3 million to the legal assistance sector, including $49.7 million for the frontline services and $13.5 million for IT costs to support the transition to virtual services.
The Law Institute also recently announced a $4 million relief package, including reduced $99 membership fee to support its members.
“The LIV has been working with the legal profession, the courts and government during this crisis to ensure that people can still access legal advice and representation during this unprecedented crisis,” said Mr Pandya.
