West Heidelberg Community Legal Service is set to share in joint funding of almost $30 million from the State Government, and the Commonwealth, for community legal centres across the state to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19).

West Heidelberg Community Legal Service will receive $171,500 to support its continued delivery of frontline legal assistance services during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Member for Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines MP welcomed the funding, which will provide more members of the community with access to justice as they face the challenges arising from COVID-19.

West Heidelberg Community Legal Service is responding to increased demand due to the impacts of COVID-19, providing vital support to Victorians with a range of issues including family violence related matters, fines and tenancy and housing matters.

Its services include providing information, education, advice and advocacy to deliver better legal outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the local community.

The funding boost will also help West Heidelberg Community Legal Service to upgrade technology so that more community members can access the help they need remotely and digitally while the COVID-19 restrictions remain ongoing.

The Victorian Government’s $17.5 million COVID-19 response is in addition to funding recently agreed with the Commonwealth under the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-25 Agreement.

The Agreement will see an additional $4 million in funding each year for the legal assistance sector in Victoria compared to the expiring National Partnership Agreement 2015-20.

Quote attributable to
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy MP

“Our community legal centres are on the frontline, helping Victorians who need support every single day – this funding will ensure they provide this support virtually, to more Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to
Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines MP

“West Heidelberg Community Legal Service does vital work supporting people in our
community every day, this extra support recognises that work as well as the challenges
of operating during the coronavirus pandemic.”