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Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

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News

Read the latest news and updates from our organisation.

  • New funding to address the weaponisation of child support

    We welcome funding to address financial abuse and non-compliance in the Child Support Scheme announced in the recent federal budget.

    Updated: 9 June 2026

  • New pilot to address gaps in accessing family lawyers

    We are partnering with three community legal centres to create up to six new family lawyer roles.

    Updated: 26 May 2026

  • Funding boost for critical Victoria Legal Aid services

    We welcome funding in the Victorian Budget 2026–27 for programs supporting people facing criminal charges, families and victims of crime.

    Updated: 6 May 2026

  • Statewide expansion of our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Program

    We are expanding our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer (ACEO) Program to all our offices to assist more First Peoples clients and help seekers.

    Updated: 18 May 2026

  • High Court to consider lawfulness of millions of historic debts raised by Centrelink

    Hearing into the lawfulness of Centrelink’s debt raising practices will take place in the High Court

    Updated: 15 Apr 2026

  • Jeffrey Winmar inquest ends after eight days of evidence

    The Coroner’s Court of Victoria has concluded an inquest into the passing of Jeffrey Winmar who died after being arrested by Victoria Police in November 2023.

    Updated: 21 Apr 2026

  • Apply to deliver Family Advocacy Support Services

    Expressions of Interest are now open to deliver family violence and mental health support services at locations across Victoria from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030.

    Updated: 8 Apr 2026

  • Changes to child support guidelines, fees and early intervention means test

    We recently made a number of changes to our Commonwealth child support guidelines, fees and early intervention means test. The changes will assist private practitioners and community legal centres to support separated parents to resolve their child support matters early, and increase access to justice for eligible clients.

    Updated: 12 May 2026

  • Inquest into the passing of Jeffrey Winmar

    Ahead of the beginning of the coronial inquest into the passing of Jeffrey Winmar, mother Ursulla Winmar releases a statement about her son.

    Updated: 1 Apr 2026

Updated

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