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Our organisation

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) has a board of directors, a managing director and seven sections, including three large in-house legal practice divisions.

The board

The board of directors is responsible for ensuring Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) meets its statutory objectives. The board's five directors are nominated by the Victorian Attorney-General and appointed by the Governor-in-Council. At least one board member must have experience in financial management and one must have experience in either business or government operation. One of the directors is the managing director of VLA.

The board members are:

  • John Howie, Chairperson
  • Bevan Warner, Managing Director
  • Frank King, Chairperson of Audit Committee 
  • Mary Anne Noone 
  • Sue Walpole.

Managing director

Bevan Warner is the managing director of VLA. He manages the day-to-day affairs of VLA according to the policies, priorities, strategies, and directions determined by the VLA board. He is also a National Legal Aid representative and the current chair of the Australian Legal Assistance Forum.

Directors

The directors of VLA's seven sections are:

  • Robyn Mills, Civil Law (acting)
  • Saul Holt, Criminal Law
  • Judith Sharples, Family, Youth & Children's Law
  • Michael Wighton, Legal Practice & Regional Offices
  • Tony Matthews, Finance, Assignments & Business
  • Justine Hyde, Research & Communications
  • Diana Dalton, Human Resources.

Programs

Our work is focused on four key program areas:

  • Family Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Civil Law
  • Access and Equity.

See Our programs for program objectives and areas of activity that fall under each program.