ARC Justice connects with Victorian premier

Oct 24, 2024

ARC Justice director of strategy and impact Kate Clohesy with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. Photo: Supplied

ARC Justice representatives recently went to parliament in Melbourne as part of the Community Legal Centre exhibition.

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The organisation, which incorporates the Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centre and the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre and Housing Justice, spent three days at Parliament House, with senior ARC staff meeting an array of politicians.

ARC representatives met with Premier Jactina Allan, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Attorney-General and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Maree Edwards, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Regional Development and Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney, as well as state Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad and state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.

ARC Justice chief executive officer Damian Stock, State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad and managing lawyer (civil justice) Carolyn Davey. Photo: supplied

ARC Justice chief executive Damian Stock said conversations focused on the essential work the organisation did in supporting regional and rural Victorians.

“We took the chance to raise a breadth of issues with ministers and members who represent the geographical area ARC Justice covers,” he said.

Key topics included the growing demand for tenancy support services, pressure on family violence legal services and the importance of community legal education.

The role of community legal centres in climate justice was also discussed.

“As climate disasters escalate in frequency and severity, it’s crucial we receive ongoing support from governments at all levels to enhance our response and ensure people know and can exercise their legal rights,” Mr Stock said.

The event was facilitated by the Federation of Community Legal Centres.