Wednesday, 31 July 2024

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:39): It is wonderful to have the opportunity to give the house an update on a recent visit to Mildura. I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Victoria Legal Aid’s new office in that town. Over the last four decades VLA has helped the most vulnerable people in our community to navigate the justice system and resolve their legal problems, and VLA always strive to ensure that access to justice for all Victorians, no matter their income and their postcode, is delivered. VLA has had a presence in Mildura since 2017, a presence that has been a vital resource for the community, providing essential legal services and support. The organisation is thrilled to have their own standalone office space for the first time. The new office is centrally located in Mildura and is nearby the local Magistrates’ Court, allowing VLA to provide better support for their clients.

We all know that many of VLA’s clients are socially and economically disadvantaged or face a range of challenges unique to their local area. It was wonderful to hear directly from local staff, and I really appreciated the comments from Heidi Deason, Mildura’s regional manager, who spoke about the team’s hard work, dedication and continued commitment to providing access to justice right across the Mallee region. In providing information, legal advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems, I know that the new office is very well placed to provide a better service and enhance VLA’s ability to serve the region efficiently and effectively.

As I have said before many times, I truly believe that Victoria is a fairer and safer place thanks to the efforts of VLA and the community legal sector, and I really look forward to hearing updates about how the new office and the opportunities it will bring will continue to deliver great benefits to the Mildura and broader community. I am thankful to the VLA, the community legal centres and community service organisations who do work tirelessly to achieve better outcomes for Victorians irrespective of their income or where they live.