Law Reform

Addressing systemic barriers to justice is a crucial part of our work. We are mindful of the impact that laws and legal processes have on our vulnerable clients and the broader community, and give voice to their experiences. Our law reform work seeks to promote and uphold human rights and equality before the law.

We contribute to inquiries by parliamentary, law reform and other bodies. We also work collaboratively with other community legal centres and experts, including making joint submissions. We raise awareness of law reform and policy issues through community engagement work, which may include public events and media.

You are welcome to read our recent public submissions by clicking on the links below.

Submission Rooming House Lived Experience Project

Submission April 2022

Opposition to the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2021

Joint Statement 22 March 2022

Social Housing Regulation Review Interim Report

PCLC Submission Joint response to SHRR interim report

Further away from economic justice

The experience of the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and their clients in the new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and recommendations for reform.

Peninsula Community Legal Centre Submission

Support for Older Victorians from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds

PCLC Submission Victorian Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into Support for Older Victorians from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds – Nov 2021

Review of Social Housing Regulation

PCLC Submission to Social Housing Regulation Review Consultation Paper 2

Improving the Fines Enforcement System

Fines and infringement debts continue to be troubling  issues for many clients of community legal centres.

PCLC has welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the Fines Reform Advisory Board (FRAB); a body established to provide independent advice to the Attorney-General about further reforms to the fines enforcement system.

PCLC’s recommendations focus on making the process easier for vulnerable clients to have their fines reviewed by Fines Victoria.

PCLC FRAB Submissions Feb 2020

Making Renting Fairer

The Residential Tenancies Act 2018 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2020 are bringing into effect the biggest overhaul of the state’s rental laws in decades.

PCLC has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the recent consultation on the proposed Residential Tenancies Regulations 2020.

PCLC’s Response to draft RT Regulations 2020

Submission to Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

Submission to Royal Commission into Mental Health – July 2019

Submission responding to proposed amendments  mandatory imprisonment where injuries are sustained by emergency workers

Submission Mandatory Imprisonment – June 2018

Submission to Australian Law Reform Commission

Review of the Family Law System – 7 May 2018

Submission to Department of Justice & Regulation

Access to Justice Review.24Feb2016

Submission to Consumer Affairs Victoria

Heading Home: Residential Tenancies Act Review, 10 Feb 2017

Dispute Resolution Issues Paper June 2016

Security of Tenure Issues Paper – Residential Tenancies Act Review.Dec15

Residential Tenancies Act Review 5 Aug 15

Submission to Royal Commission

Family Violence – 29 May15

Submission to Victoria Law Reform Commission

Photographing and Filming Tenants’ Possession for Advertising Purposes – 11 August 2014

Submission to Productivity Commission

Inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements – Response to Draft Report – 21 May 2014

Inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements – 1 November 2013