Law Reform
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.
Submissions
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
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