More Victorians will be able to access legal support services through the 2009 State Budget package of nearly $80 million which builds on the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to social justice.
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the $79.7 million package in the 2009 State Budget would increase funding to Victoria Legal Aid and provide ongoing funding for key initiatives including the Neighbourhood Justice Centre, the Sentencing Advisory Council and family violence programs.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action on justice to help provide a strong social safety net to support Victorian families in tough global times and for the future,” Mr Hulls said.
“The Brumby Labor Government is modernising the justice system, to reduce re-offending, address disadvantage and improve access to justice.
“This investment in the justice system builds on the Brumby Labor Government’s strong record of investment in social services and ensures Victorians have a fair, accessible and innovative justice system.”
Mr Hulls said the social justice package included a $24.7 million increase to Victoria Legal Aid funding for 2009-10, to ensure continued access to legal representation for the socially and economically disadvantaged.
“This funding ensures Legal Aid can carry out this important task so that people who cannot afford to be represented receive a fair hearing in our courts,” Mr Hulls said.
Mr Hulls said the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) would receive $26.2 million, enabling it to continue its role in reducing re-offending and building a stronger community.
“The NJC began as a pilot project in 2007 as a groundbreaking way to deliver justice more effectively,” Mr Hulls said.
“The centre is leading the country in adopting a community-based approach, encouraging local people to come up with local solutions to overcome the root causes of crime while repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour in a disadvantaged community.
“The pilot has been a success. In its short life the NJC court has dealt with hundreds of matters across four court and tribunal jurisdictions, and developed innovative mediation programs to deal with both civil and criminal matters.”
Mr Hulls said the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to helping women and children experiencing family violence would continue, with $10.8 million for the ongoing work of the Family Violence Court Divisions at the Ballarat and Heidelberg Magistrates’ Courts, which also provide a range of legal and non-legal support services to victims.
The 2009 State Budget also provides $7.5 million over four years to the Sentencing Advisory Council, which was established five years ago as a groundbreaking initiative to give Victorians a say on sentencing.
“The Sentencing Advisory Council has been integral to understanding how our courts are dispensing justice by producing credible and high-quality data on criminal sentencing,” Mr Hulls said.
“The Council’s work helps ensure sentences are more consistent and reflect community attitudes, while identifying areas for reform.”
Mr Hulls said the Court Integrated Services Program also would receive $10.5 million over two years. This program provides assistance to defendants with multiple and complex needs, aims to identify and address the underlying causes of offending, and helps defendants access a range of appropriate assessment, treatment and support services.
“The continued funding of this program will help reduce re-offending and address the over-representation of offenders from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds in the criminal justice system,” Mr Hulls said.
