A new report, released today, demonstrates how the Victorian Legal Service Board’s record funding in access to justice has increased services for all Victorians.
Equitable access to justice is fundamental to the rule of law, the cornerstone of our democracy. But for many people with legal problems, just resolution may be difficult to achieve, or out of reach entirely.
The Access to justice impact report presents select work undertaken by VLSB+C as a regulator of the legal profession, a funder of organisations and projects working to increase access to justice, and an investor of public monies held in the Public Purpose Fund.
In 2022–24, as a regulator, we answered nearly 15,000 enquiries from consumers of legal services, and awarded compensation totalling close to $7 million to Victorians who lost trust money or property due to dishonesty or fraud by a lawyer.
As a funder of access to justice, the Board provided more than $140 million to 13 organisations, $25 million in grants to 68 projects, and $7 million of Strong Foundations funding to 8 inaugural recipients – building the capability of organisations that make our justice system fairer and more accessible to everyone.
And as an investor, the Board has established the framework for a new Impact Investing Fund, with a sub-fund dedicated to investments that advance access to justice.
Victorian Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner, Fiona McLeay, and Board Chairperson, Sam Hay KC, said that while all Victorians have a right to effective and high-quality legal services, complexities within legal and societal systems mean that there are open doors for some, while others are shut out.
“We want to see that change.” they said. “As the regulator of the legal profession in Victoria, and a significant funder within the legal system, we are committed to doing our part to increase Victorians’ access to justice.”
“With that goal in mind, we’re pleased to present VLSB+C’s first Access to justice impact report. We thank all our staff, grantees, partners, collaborators and the profession itself for the impact we have created together.”
“We are ready for the next phase of work.”
The Access to justice impact report, as well as a 2-page snapshot and 4-page report summary, are available to download and explore on our website.