FITZROY LEGAL SERVICE ANNUAL & FINANCIAL REPORT

Empowerment Integrity Respect Quality Participation

2014 — 2015 www.fitzroy-legal.org.au fitzroy-legal.org.au 1. CONTENTS ABOUT FITZROY LEGAL ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL REPORT SERVICE 1 About Fitzroy Legal Service 30 Introduction

2 — 3 FLS services 31 Income and Expenditure Statement Fitzroy Legal Service (FLS) opened in 1972 and is one of the oldest community 4 Funding and support legal centres in Australia. Over its 42 years, FLS has become an inner-city 32 Assets and Liabilities Statement community institution, helping generations of clients with legal problems, 5 Statistics championing law reform, running test cases and providing the community 33 Statement of Cash Flows with legal information. FLS is an independent, not for profit, community based 6 Five Year Trends organisation, governed by a volunteer Board. 34 — 38 Notes to the Financial Statements 7 Our people 39 Statement by Members 8 — 9 Chair Report of the Board

10 — 11 Executive Officer’s Report 40 — 41 Independent Audit Report

12 FLS Strategic Plan 2015–2020 42 Detailed Statement of Assets and Liabilities 13 FLS goals and objectives 43 Detailed Income Statement 14 — 15 Board Committees 44 Project Funds Summary 16 — 17 Legal Practice

18 — 23 Social Action

24 — 25 Volunteer Program

26 — 27 Volunteers

28 — 29 Publications

124 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 T (03) 9419 3744 Volunteers with The Law Handbook 2015

2. FitzroyFitzroy LegalLegal ServiceService —— AnnualAnnual ReportReport && FinancialFinancial ReportReport 20142014 —— 20152015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 1. Outreach is provided fortnightly at the following Taxi Driver Legal Assistance Program locations: In June 2014 FLS was granted funding by the Taxi Services • YSAS (Youth Support and Advocacy Services): Commission to provide legal services to taxi drivers. The 185–187 Langridge St, Abbotsford; funding was used to employ an experienced lawyer, one day per week, to undertake legal casework for a 12-month period. FLS SERVICES • Living Room: 7–9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne; • Inner Space: 4 Johnston St, Collingwood; Social justice and advocacy The Social Action team works within a community • North Richmond Community Health Centre: development framework to engage in strategies of 23 Lennox St, Richmond; and empowerment for communities and individuals in their • Odyssey House: 660 Bridge Road, Richmond. dealings with the law. These strategies include: Legal practice FLS also conducts a generalist legal advice service at North Richmond Community Health Centre (on Tuesday • public interest litigation; The practice specialises in criminal law, infringements, evenings by appointment). Neighbourhood Justice Centre intervention orders, and family law. The practice is funded • advocacy in areas of policy and law reform; The Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) is Australia’s only through grants of legal aid and private client fees with fee The legal advice service utilises significant pro bono support community justice centre. It is located in Collingwood and structures designed to assist clients ineligible for legal aid. from members of the legal sector (community members, • partnership building and engagement/collaboration services the City of Yarra. The NJC is committed to resolving students and practitioners) who volunteer their services to with stakeholders; disputes by addressing the underlying causes of harmful make the law and legal support accessible to members of Legal advice service behaviour and tackling social disadvantage. By bringing the community. • a wide reaching community legal education program. The free legal advice service is conducted year-round, together a multi-jurisdictional court with a wide array of Monday to Friday, from 6.30–8pm. It is a drop-in, support services and community initiatives, the NJC has been FLS works across programs to identify trends, legal literacy generalist legal advice service that assists clients with a Drug Outreach Lawyer Program effective in reducing crime, increasing community safety, and needs, and law reform priorities for our social justice creating savings through fewer cases in the system. and advocacy work. range of matters. No appointments are taken – clients are The Drug Outreach Lawyer aims to assist individuals with seen on a first-in first-served basis, except where they are legal problems related to drug use. The Drug Outreach matched to volunteers with specific expertise. FLS provides three staff members who are based at the Publications and online resources Lawyer works closely and collaboratively with individuals and NJC: a Senior Community Lawyer, a Community Lawyer, other members of the community to assist with rehabilitation, Other community legal centres that do not have the capacity and a Family Lawyer. Their work includes: FLS publishes and distributes a range of hardcopy focusing on areas of high need and harm minimisation. to provide the level of drop-in advice services provided by and online material including: • providing legal advice and representation in the following FLS regularly refer clients to our service. The Drug Outreach Lawyer works closely with relevant health jurisdictions of the NJC Court: Magistrates’ Court • The Law Handbook (LHB) – agencies and the community within the City of Yarra, and (including the Family Violence Intervention Order List, hardcopy, ebook and online at This generalist service is supplemented by three provides legal information to this community. specialist clinics: summary crime), VCAT (the Residential Tenancies, Civil, www.lawhandbook.org.au; Guardianship and Administration Lists), Children’s Court, • family law clinic: Tuesday and Thursday evenings by VOCAT and Infringement Court matters (including hearings • Services Directory for appointment in the Special Circumstances List); Drug and Alcohol Users – www.vicdrugguide.org.au; • LGBTIQ legal advice service: Thursday evenings, • assisting to provide general legal advice to residents from fortnightly, by appointment. the City of Yarra who attend the NJC; this includes (but is • Activists Rights – not limited to) advice on matters of criminal law, family law, www.activistrights.org.au; • animal law clinic: Friday evenings tenancy, family violence and personal safety; by appointment. • NDIS Rights – www.ndisrights.org.au. • attending a fortnightly outreach ‘Billabong’ at Harmsworth Hall in Collingwood, and a monthly outreach at St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy; and

GENERALIST LEGAL ADVICE CLINICS • actively contributing to the multi-agency leadership group, to community engagement, community development, community legal education and progress systemic change where appropriate. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 591 617 563 507 329 CLIENTS CLIENTS CLIENTS CLIENTS CLIENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD JUSTICE CENTRE CASE STUDY 706 775 659 640 403 LEGAL ADVICES LEGAL ADVICES LEGAL ADVICES LEGAL ADVICES LEGAL ADVICES Mary lived in public housing and was the protected person in relation to a family violence PROVIDED PROVIDED PROVIDED PROVIDED PROVIDED intervention order application made by Victoria Police. Mary had also spent time in custody in relation to criminal matters. Mary did not have a key to her mailbox and was therefore unable to access her mailbox. Mary missed her tenancy hearing at VCAT as she was not aware of the hearing. FLS staff worked together with other services at the NJC to make contact with Mary, advise her about the missed hearings and her right to apply for a review. The matter was successfully negotiated through alternative dispute resolution and consent orders before VCAT. In the course of assisting Mary, FLS was able to also assist Mary to apply for a change of locks due to the circumstances of family violence and apply for a new key to her mailbox. Without the assistance of FLS, it is possible that Mary’s tenancy could have been terminated in circumstances where she was unaware of the Notice to Vacate or VCAT hearing because she did not have a key to her mailbox.

2. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 3. FUNDING AND STATISTICS SUPPORT

DRUG OUTREACH LAWYER PROGRAM ANIMAL LAW CLINIC MAIN PROBLEM TYPES

Core ongoing funding is provided by Victoria Legal Aid and the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department. We thank them for their ongoing support.

FLS would also like to thank the • Victorian Government for supporting • Christopher Tran; following organisations and the Drug Outreach Lawyer Program; individuals for their contributions: • Ashurst; •  Erica Foundation and Telematics • Allens for pro bono support, Trust for funding The Law Handbook • Clayton Utz; secretarial assistance and funding online redevelopment; the Trainee Lawyer position; • Colin Biggers & Paisley; • Paul Glass; 112 casework files — 46 advices 40 legal advices provided • Armstrong Legal and Aitken • CoHealth; Partners for supporting The Law • Dr G Pikering; • Deloittes Access Economics; Handbook online; • John Campbell; • Federation of Community Legal RICHMOND OUTREACH TAXI DRIVER LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM • City of Yarra for funding for the Centres (Vic); legal advice service, CALD Family • Michael Kingston; MAIN PROBLEM TYPES Violence Project and The Law • Mr Wow’s Emporium; • Human Rights Law Centre; Handbook launch; 32.65% Government/administration • Caz Reitops Dirty Secrets Bar. • Jones Lang LaSalle; • Neighbourhood Justice Centre for issues relating to fines their contribution towards funding • Lawyers for Animals; 13.27% Road traffic and motor vehicle We also acknowledge the in-kind regulatory offences the FLS staff members based at and pro bono support of: the NJC, supporting the Tuesday • Maddocks; 6.12% Motor vehicle accident evening family law clinic and • Ron Merkel QC; providing meeting facilities; • Monash Oakleigh Legal Service; 5.61% Other and miscellaneous offences, including weapons/explosives • Julian Burnside AO QC; • NMIT; • Taxi Services Commission for 5.10% Other civil funding the Taxi Driver Legal • Melinda Richards SC; Assistance Program; • North Richmond Community Health; • Emrys Nekvapil; • Victoria Law Foundation for funding • Shine Lawyers; 43 clients — 59 legal advices provided 40 cases — 139 legal advices the Community Workers Forums • Simona Gory; • Thomson Geer; and supporting The Law Handbook • Megan Fitzgerald; online redevelopment; • Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby; • Victorian Women’s Trust and Nelson • James Forsaith; FAMILY LAW CLINIC —FLS / CITY OF YARRA (NJC) LGBTIQ LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Alexander Charitable Foundation for • Craig Lenehan; • Yarra Drug and Health Forum; supporting the Othello on Trial play performances; • David Hume; • Matthew Albert;

• Jeremy Twigg; • Caryn Van Proctor.

186 legal advices 103 legal advices provided provided 26 legal advices provided

4. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 5. FIVE YEAR TRENDS OUR PEOPLE

FLS STAFF COMMUNITY LAWYER NJC: EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE The five-year trends for Galit Aflalo Andrew Conley (Chair) information, advice, EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Fiona Rothville casework, community legal FAMILY LAWYER NJC: Claudia Fatone Troy Davis education and law reform Ella Crotty projects are illustrated in PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR: FINANCE, AUDIT AND the following graphs: TAXI DRIVER LEGAL Hala Atwa (until April 2015), RISK COMMITTEE ASSITANCE PROGRAM: Meghan Fitzgerald (from April 2015) Vera Boston (Chair) Adrian Snodgrass Roslyn Aikman SOCIAL ACTION, POLICY AND TRAINEE LAWYER: LAW REFORM MANAGER: Gerry Schembri Hollie Golding (until January 2015), Meghan Fitzgerald Naomi Munga Laura Wilson (from April 2015) CLIENT SERVICES AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER: NIGHT SERVICE COORDINATORS: Corinne Grant (Chair) Clare Winder Mark Rawlings and Adrian Huen Brennan Snodgrass Sally Finlay FINANCE OFFICER: LAW HANDBOOK EDITOR: John Finlayson Albert Kuan Sarah Marlowe (until March 2015), Sandra McKay FINANCE ASSISTANT: Naomi Saligari (from April 2015) Viv Topp Tuvan Vuong ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Florence Godfrey, Amelia Toohey, Sandra McKay (Chair) Julie Fletcher Evie Cameron, Marcello Samantha Amjadali Sally Finlay COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS: FLS BOARD Rob McGuirk Ela Stewart Bruce McBain (Chair) – Tracey O’Shaughnessy and Ed Yap (until September 2014) re-elected November 2014 Brian Wright Vera Boston – appointed August 2014, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: STRATEGY AND RISK REVIEW elected November 2014 David Grant (until March 2015) COMMITTEE Joanne Butterworth-Gray – (established February 2015) appointed October 2014 FUNDRAISING AND ALUMNI Joanne Butterworth-Gray (Chair) ENGAGEMENT OFFICER: Andrew Conley (Secretary) Andrew Conley Fabiola Superina (until March 2015) Christina Carney – The five-year trend for Jon Laseravic re-elected November 2014 problem types presenting LEGAL PROJECTS OFFICER: Bruce McBain in the legal advice services Corinne Grant Lynne Thomas (until June 2015) is illustrated here: Sandra McKay – appointed December 2014 LIFE MEMBERS DRUG OUTREACH LAWYER: - elected November Jessica Porter (until January 2015), Fiona Rothville Sue Botthman 2014 Hollie Golding (from January 2015) Brian Collingburn John Finlayson COMMITTEES SOLICITOR ADVOCATE: Julian Gardner

Natasha Wolan, BUILDING COMMITTEE Tessa Hay Jane Vasey (from April 2015) Andrew Conley (Chair) Robin Inglis FAMILY LAWYER: Dan Mori Michael Kingston Amre Levy Jim Stavris Henrik Lassen SENIOR COMMUNITY LAWYER NJC: Peter Walsh and Edward Hill Trevor Williamson (Jones Lang LaSalle – ex-officio) Jennifer Black Brian Wright

6. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 7. CHAIR REPORT

Bruce McBain

The 2014–2015 financial year has again been a period of transformation and challenge.

The Board functioned effectively and cohesively during the during the first half of 2015–2016.The Law Handbook Meghan, in addition to more than ably fulfilling her Social As noted in the Financial Statements, the lease of our year and I acknowledge their contribution to ensuring FLS website was re-launched during the year and we were Action role, has acted as Principal Solicitor with support from existing premises in Johnston Street comes to an end during maintained focus on its core mission. Board deliberations very pleased to receive a commitment from the Victorian Jennifer Black during the interim, following the departure of 2016 and a Board committee complemented by external were strengthened through the ability to bring external Attorney-General, Martin Pakula, of a four-year grant Hala Atwa when it was decided not to immediately appoint professionals has begun to look at property options, expertise in specialised fields of finance, audit and risk, that will ensure the sustainability of the website over that another person to that role until the outcome of the strategic including an upgrade to a more effective layout. property, fundraising, strategy and employment. Each period and also that it remains a free resource, meeting reviews provided a better narrative for the role. Jennifer Board committee is chaired by a Board member and remains our objective of accessible law. Black provided outstanding leadership to the team at the As a not for profit organisation, FLS depends on the support accountable to the Board. I acknowledge the significant Neighbourhood Justice Centre whilst Albert Kuan provided of its funders and we acknowledge the Commonwealth contribution made by those committee members. The legal advice service remains the heart of our mission to sound stewardship of our finances throughout the year and Attorney-General’s Department, the Victorian Government make the law accessible to sectors of the community who received strong endorsement in that role from the Finance, Department of Justice and Regulation, Victoria Legal Aid, If Fitzroy Legal Service is to remain viable and continue to would otherwise be unable to obtain legal advice. In addition Audit and Risk Committee. the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human provide an independent and influential voice that empowers to general legal enquiries, specialist clinics are available in Services, the City of Yarra, Victoria Law Foundation, Allens, the community through accessible law, then it is essential family law, animal law and LGBTIQ. The specialist family law During the year, the Board continued the practice of Telematics Trust, Erica Foundation, Victorian Women’s that it have a sustainable base, a clear set of objectives and clinic at Johnston Street has also been supplemented by an inviting staff members to make presentations to the Trust, Nelson Alexander Foundation and the Taxi Services an operational plan to achieve those objectives. During evening specialist family law clinic at the Neighbourhood Board on activities within their sphere of responsibility; Commission. We also again acknowledge the significant pro the year we were fortunate to have a team from Deloitte Justice Centre. The Law Handbook, the “Legal Bible”, now in this two-way progress strengthened the Board’s bono support of Deloitte Access Economics in undertaking Access Economics provide pro bono services to engage with its 39th year, together with its online version, continued to understanding of those spheres and enabled staff and the strategic review. our stakeholders and develop a comprehensive Strategic remain an important part of Fitzroy Legal Service’s mission to Board to meet each other and personalise the relationship. Plan. The plan guided the formulation by the Board of a set make the law accessible. of specific, measurable, attributable, realistic and timely (SMART) objectives that will guide the setting of operational Staff and volunteers are the lifeblood and heart of Fitzroy plans to achieve those objectives over the next five years. Legal Service. Without a dedicated team of volunteers the legal advice service would not be able to function. It is The Deloitte Access Economics review of FLS was timely, as pleasing that our volunteers continue to display the same during 2014–2015 Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) also announced enthusiasm for making the law accessible as our founders its strategy for community legal centres (CLCs) would see a did 43 years ago. Volunteers also play an important role in greater focus on urban growth corridors, consolidation and the day practice and our various committees. Julie Fletcher LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE, DAY PRACTICE AND VICTORIA outreach, that will guide the setting of operational plans to coordinates volunteers and provides an excellent Continuing LEGAL AID COLLABORATION CASE STUDY achieve those objectives over the next five years. Professional Development Program with well attended sessions at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre on topics of When Ari was arrested for missing a payment on his significant infringements debt, no one asked In June 2014, FLS was awarded a grant by VLA to immediate relevance to the legal advice service. him whether his cancer or his subsequent inability to work much had played a part. Ari, a machine work with Darebin Community Legal Centre to look at operator who was waiting for a particular cancer treatment, had been following court orders and how the two services might cooperate to provide ongoing I would also like to thank the legal advice service making payments on his Citylink fines for two years before he defaulted. It may have been his poor services to their respective communities. The grant has coordinators, Adrian Snodgrass, Mark Rawlings and proficiency with English that prevented his situation becoming known as he was taken to prison, but the absence of funded the appointment of a consultant, Cathy Whelan, occasional locum Peter Cotter for the guidance and a legal requirement to ask would see him remain there for some weeks. It was a distressed relative who told his story to review the work of both CLCs and to identify potential support provided to volunteers during the year. at a night session run by FLS. opportunities for greater cooperation. Consultative work has commenced and a final report for consideration by the The staff members are the lifeblood of the organisation; FLS staff prepared an affidavit and presented medical materials to the Magistrates’ Court showing the change in two Boards and the membership of both bodies will be despite trying conditions, they bring dedication and Ari’s circumstances. The Court expedited the hearing and sought out a Victoria Legal Aid duty lawyer to apply for received in the first half of 2016. At this stage the process enthusiasm to ensuring FLS achieves its mission. They revocation of the warrant. After hearing arguments, the Magistrate ordered Ari’s release and discharged his fines in is exploratory, with neither CLC having predetermined are recognised and named elsewhere in this report and full. Ari, who appeared in court via video link from prison, was overwhelmed by the prospect of release and broke outcome objectives. each is individually valued for their contribution and down in tears as the translator’s words sunk in. FLS lawyer Jane Vasey described Ari’s imprisonment as “deeply enthusiasm. However, I would like to particularly concerning”, saying it denied him urgent treatment. “There are systemic issues with the infringements system, A key management and Board focus has been to ensure the acknowledge the work of Executive Officer Claudia Fatone, both in terms of process and basic concepts of proportionality,” she said. “Tax evasion involving much sustainability of the legal practice and The Law Handbook Social Action Manager Meghan Fitzgerald, NJC Senior greater sums of money does not attract the same level of draconian response.” and it is pleasing that, thanks to an enthusiastic team of Community Lawyer Jennifer Black and Finance Officer Albert lawyers, the practice significantly improved its bottom line Kuan. Claudia, through her leadership, has set the tone for an during 2014–2015, and that favourable trend has continued effective team and outcomes.

8.8. FitzroyFitzroy LegalLegal ServiceService —— AnnualAnnual ReportReport && FinancialFinancial ReportReport 20142014 —— 20152015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 9. EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT Claudia Fatone

FLS continued to invest in the professional development Appreciation is extended to the FLS Board, committee The 2014–2015 year was another busy and challenging one for Fitzroy Legal of our staff. NJC Senior Community Lawyer Jennifer Black members, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts in undertook the Federation of CLCs Adaptive Leadership working for FLS and serving the community. In particular, I’d Service (FLS). As the community’s legal needs continue to increase, the Program, Principal Solicitor Hala Atwa and I attended like to acknowledge the staff members who have departed pressure on already over-stretched resources grows. the National CLCs Conference in Alice Springs in August FLS this year – Lynne Thomas, Fabiola Superina, Hala Atwa, Ed 2014, while Volunteer Coordinator Julie Fletcher attended Yap, Sarah Marlowe and David Grant. Also, thank you to the the 23rd World Volunteer Conference held on the Gold many organisations and individuals who support FLS through Coast in September 2014. Other staff attended numerous funding and/or in-kind assistance. professional development and training sessions throughout In the 12 months to 30 June 2015, FLS assisted 3,465 The killing of women by male partners and former partners, the year, including those provided by the Law Institute of individuals, providing the following services: on average one a week in Australia, rates as a national crisis. Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid and the Federation of Community This year FLS supported an innovative arts-based public Legal Centres (VIC). engagement project – ‘Seeing Red: Murderous Rage’ – that challenged the gendered relations that underpin men’s violence towards women. Emphasising the critical importance of primary prevention and attitudinal change, it aims to stimulate debate about how best to challenge and thus prevent men’s murderous rage against women. DRUG OUTREACH PROGRAM CASE STUDY In conjunction with the Victorian Women’s Trust, a private donor, and the Nelson Alexander Foundation, FLS supported three performances of Othello On Trial, the first play in the project. Approximately 200 people attended the An outreach client was facing imprisonment for unpaid fines. Through the process of checking performances at the La Mama Courthouse in March 2015. what fines were outstanding, we became aware that there were a large number of fines at different stages. The client had also been placed on an imprisonment in lieu order, which is an The vision for the project is to design a creative primary order attached to a payment plan for outstanding fines whereby if the client defaults on the payment prevention program that uses theatre as a tool to stimulate plan then they are imprisoned and the fines are worked off by way of time served. During this time the client critical thinking about social and cultural values. The had two driving matters before the court and was sentenced to three months imprisonment. The sentence was project aims to emphasise the critical importance of successfully appealed and the client received a Community Corrections Order – a disposition that aims to address primary prevention and attitudinal change and to utilise the underlying causes of offending by addressing behaviours that are intrinsically linked with offending. The client We also conducted numerous community legal education Shakespeare’s uncannily timely plays targeting men’s was ordered to serve 100 hours of community work and complete drug and alcohol counselling. As the client was and information activities. possessive jealousy and infidelity inspired rage to engage already in a residential rehabilitation facility, the Community Corrections Order worked with the existing supports young people in a debate about how to prevent violence to assist and supervise the completion of the order. Concurrently, leave was sought with the court to have a Penalty Direct client legal assistance services increased significantly against women. Enforcement Rehearing. The magistrate found that the client did have the required special circumstances and the from the previous 12 months: 15% more clients assisted, 18% fines were discharged by 2/3. This left $4,500 remaining. The client entered into a $10 a week payment plan and is, more advices provided, and 7% more casework. Family law Improving FLS communications was a key focus over the currently, one month ahead on repayments. advices increased 78% from the previous year, highlighting past 12 months. FLS invested in a Communications the huge need and lack of accessible services in this area. Manager position to drive internal and external The client had three unpaid court fines (decades old) that can result in a warrant being issued for arrest (for non- To this end, FLS provided a submission to Victoria Legal communications relating to FLS, its services, activities, payment). The Drug Outreach Lawyer assisted the client to convert those fines to community work hours and they Aid’s (VLA) Consultation and Options Paper on their Family events, and relationships with funders, members, donors, completed those hours. There was also $9,000 in unpaid fines that were more recent than the other group of fines Law Legal Aid Services Review. VLA reported strong level of supporters and the Victorian public. A quarterly e-newsletter already discussed. Upon hearing submissions from the Drug Outreach Lawyer and reading the support material engagement with the Review with 29 submissions received was developed and sent out to a database of close to from the client’s doctor and therapist from residential rehabilitation, the magistrate released the client from paying from the community legal sector, professional associations, 500 people, including members and supporters. We also the full amount, taking into account the effort that they had made in addressing all of their outstanding matters. community organisations and legal practitioners. It is focused on re-establishing contact with past members of anticipated that a number of changes to legal aid guidelines FLS, including volunteers, employees, contributors and This is just one example of a client with multi-factorial legal issues and should any of those issues not be addressed, in the family law area will be implemented in the coming year. members whose dedicated efforts created the foundations then the outcome for the client is ultimately the same – imprisonment. The Drug Outreach Lawyer worked with on which FLS now stands. Our “Reconnect” initiative included the client for a period of 12 months from October 2014 – September 2015 to systematically work through the Intimate partner violence is responsible for more ill health establishing a page on the FLS website to allow individuals multiple legal issues. This involved six Magistrates’ Court appearances and two County Court appearances. and premature death in Victorian women aged 15 to 44 years to register interest in receiving information on social events, For the first time in over a decade, the client has no outstanding fines, no pending criminal matters, no than any other of the well-known risk factors, including high presentations and the quarterly e-newsletter. A small function unpaid court fines and no warrants out for their arrest. blood pressure, obesity and smoking. was also held to personally re-engage and connect with some of these individuals.

10. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 11. FLS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FITZROY LEGAL SERVICE AREA: GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIC PLAN (1) GOVERNANCE: (A) Maintain a diverse, effective and well-functioning Board that understands 2015 — 2020 To be a well governed organisation and carries out its core duties, and with Directors attending at least 75% of that is a leader among CLCs in Board meetings demonstrating strong governance (B) Ensure FLS rules and governance structures are current and reflect best practice and accountability (C) Establish processes to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the FLS Strategic Plan “AN INDEPENDENT AND INFLUENTIAL VOICE THAT EMPOWERS AND STRENGTHENS THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ACCESS TO (D) Achieve Tier 1 of the National CLC Accreditation Scheme LEGAL SERVICES, EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND LAW REFORM ACTIVITIES” (2) FUNDING: (A) Identify and monitor minimum FLS equity required for sustainability To be a financially sustainable (B) Reduce FLS reliance on funding from government sources with targets to be organisation with diversified funding set and reviewed annually sources, focusing in the first instance (C) Build FLS profile amongst policy makers, stakeholders and the wider community OUR PURPOSE REFLECTS COMMUNITY NEED AND STRONG, CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OF on increasing capacity for income CONTINUING ACCESS ISSUES FOR LEGAL SERVICES generation and philanthropy

(3) PARTNERSHIPS: (A) Implement a stakeholder engagement strategy and specific plans that can To be of value to our community by be monitored nurturing existing partnerships and (B) Improve FLS internal and external communications proactively seizing new opportunities to (C) Enhance connections and support through the broader CLC sector ensure services are holistic, responsive to the needs of our clients and community, and in our role as a leader of CLCs to support the credibility and influence of FLS WHO WILL WE SERVE HOW WILL WHAT CAPABILITIES AND HOW? WE SUCCEED? WILL WE NEED? (4) PEOPLE AND CULTURE: (A) Improve the FLS operating environment To attract and retain high qualtiy staff (B) Build organisation capability through strong volunteer recruitment, retention and • We will provide a tiered • Protecting and promoting our • Greater capacity to conduct and volunteers; to support them to a recognition program response to the community’s reputation and culture as an evidence-based research have fulfilling experiences through their (C) Develop FLS as a model workplace with well-trained, supported and satisfied staff needs, services will be independent, influential voice and measure the impact of involvement with FLS; and to develop (D) Ensure FLS values are incorporated and lived throughout the organisation streamlined and integrated for social justice our work an evolving culture that supports our reputation as an independent, within FLS and with other • As a well administered • Partnerships with networks influential voice for justice community organisations organisation, demonstrating of relevant community • Services should be available to strong governance and organisations, philanthropic (5) EDUCATION: (A) Produce legal resources that are sustainable, legally accurate and of a people who cannot access legal accountability funders, the legal profession and To empower the community through high quality assistance through other means, other FLS supporters (volunteers • Being financially sustainable targeted legal eduation resources that (B) Deliver legal education programs that are accurate, accessible and targeted with priority given to vulnerable and alumni) are up to date and relevant; to ensure through diversifying our funding to community need people, such as those with low that FLS staff, volunteers and other sources, focusing initially on • Ongoing dialogue with the Ensure staff & volunteers have access to relevant legal resources income or complex needs CLCs have appropriate resources to (C) increased capacity for income network of CLCs in Victoria undertake their work; and that these • Empowering the community generation from services and nationally are available as open source to other (including CLCs and community that are aligned to our vision potential users • A shift in organisational culture stakeholders) through targeted and leveraging networks for that supports staff working legal education resources philanthropy together across program and (A) Identify issues relevant to our community and engage with key stakeholders in that are accessible, up to date (6) LAW REFORM: • Nurturing existing partnerships service areas to deliver To take action on systemic justice issues responding to such issues and relevant, and ensuring and proactively seizing new a common vision that affect our community (as a direct (B) Support data collection and analysis that forms an evidence base for our actions that FLS staff and volunteers action or a response), through credible, opportunities (C) Allocate appropriate resources for law reform work have appropriate resources to • Up to date online and hard copy independent and evidence based undertake their work • Demonstrating leadership resources, leveraging external responses among CLCs assets where possible • Taking action on systemic justice-related issues that affect • Attracting and retaining high • Support for staff to (7) LEGAL ADVICE: (A) Provide quality, accesible and efficient legal advice services that meet identified community need our community through credible, quality staff and volunteers progress their career To emplower our community to understand and manage their own legal independent and evidence- and supporting them to have development objectives (B) Explore alternative delivery methods, including greater use of technology issues, to facilitate access to legal and based approaches fulfilling experiences through (C) Build an evidence base to demonstrate the benefits of legal advice services • Ongoing consideration of non-legal services and to provide legal their involvement with FLS assistance (D) Ensure referrals to non-legal services are included as part of the legal assistance, • Empowering the community to options to improve targeting, where relevant manage their own legal issues, • Providing high quality services effectiveness and efficiency of facilitating access to legal and that are holistic and responsive service delivery through other required services to the needs of the community use of technology (8) LEGAL PRACTICE: (A) Provide accessible and high quality casework services in a sustainable model To prioritise vulnerable people with low (B) Ensure casework is targeted to priority clients incomes and/or complex needs, as part (C) Ensure any non-legal needs are identified and addressed, where possible, as part of a holistic response of the casework assistance 12. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE STRATEGY AND RISK REVIEW COMMITTEE

Corinne Grant, Chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray, Chair

2015 has proved challenging for the Fundraising Community legal centres are faced with many financial Committee. While we have managed to bring in some challenges and funding uncertainties and Fitzroy Legal BOARD COMMITTEES private and business donations, we are yet to secure any Service is no exception. The environment in which we major private donors. Documentation for our pitch to larger operate is complex, with social, political and resource issues. businesses has been completed, however, and we will continue our work in approaching appropriate organisations In early 2015, Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) approached and groups. We have also successfully reconnected with a the FLS Board with the offer to provide pro bono support number of past members of the FLS community and look for the development of an over-arching strategy to identify and manage the complexity of our operating environment. BUILDING COMMITTEE • reviewing and endorsing the Workplace Health and Safety forward to our continuing relationship with them. 2015 also Policy to ensure that FLS complies with legal requirements saw the incoming Victorian Government uphold its election The Board agreed to accept this wonderful offer, and and that staff and volunteers are not placed at risk; promise to provide $200,000 over four years for The Law Andrew Conley, Chair Handbook, and the committee would like to thank Claudia established the Strategy and Risk Review Committee, • reviewing its own charter to ensure that the tasks identified Fatone and David Grant for working with the committee to which included three board members, and a member The Building Committee continues to work through its first representative. purpose, which is to ‘establish a strategy leading to either within it are being carried out and that the committee secure that funding. continues to focus on the important elements of the the purchase or long-term lease of a building out of which Over a period of months, DAE worked with the committee charter; the Association’s service will be run’. The committee hopes PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE and the Board to establish a set of goals and objectives shortly to move to its second purpose, which is the approval • establishing a reporting mechanism to ensure that the to guide business planning for FLS. The result – a Fitzroy and execution of that strategy. The committee is being Chair Board is kept fully informed about the liquidity of the Sandra McKay, Legal Service Strategic Plan 2015–2020 – is built on a strong assisted in this, pro bono, by Jones Lang LaSalle. evidence base that articulates the compelling history of organisation and that the organisation does not run the risk An overhaul of The Law Handbook website was the major of becoming insolvent; and the organisation, our client base, the challenging fiscal and EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE task over the last 12 months after a root-and-branch review political environment, and best practice examples from came up with ways to make the site more useful and far • regularly monitoring the finances of the organisation and other jurisdictions. easier to search and navigate. Launched by the Attorney- Andrew Conley, Chair providing advice and guidance in the development of the General, Martin Pakula, the online companion to the much 2015–2016 budget. The Board has supported a SMART objective approach to The main achievement of the Employment Committee loved book makes it easy to find the relevant area of law, drive realistic business planning based on the key questions: this year was the drafting and approval by the Board of While we note that the final result for the 2014–2015 year look up useful contacts and quick links to cases and laws the Grievance Management Policy, which applies to staff was a loss of approximately $62,000, the committee remains cited in The Law Handbook. grievances. This required numerous meetings, careful optimistic that recent changes in processes and work The site attracted more than 1.5 million visitors in the last and repeated consideration, and staff consultation. The practices will lead to a balanced budget in 2015–2016. 12 months – as many as 30,000 people turning to it each week committee continues to assist the Executive Officer with the We are aware, however, of the continuing challenges in for practical legal information. A more streamlined structure revision of the association’s employment-related policies and managing the finances of a small organisation such as we are. with quick page summaries is helping readers navigate procedures. It also stands ready to carry out its other tasks the comprehensive information about the laws that affect (including, if necessary, under the Grievance Management I want to sincerely thank the other members of the Victorians and to stay up to date with changes in the law. Policy) in accordance with its charter. committee who have made such a significant contribution to the work of the committee and thereby the organisation FLS was also pleased to partner with major ebook as a whole. They are Roslyn Aikman, CPA, Naomi Munga, FINANCE, AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE distributors to make the ebook version much easier to CPA, and Gerry Schembri, CPA. Their skills and expertise download to smartphones, kindles or tablets. All these are invaluable and they generously volunteer their time to Vera Boston, Chair improvements are making the law accessible to many further the work of the FLS. more fingertips. As the current Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Finally, while the committee plays an important role in Committee, I would like first of all to thank Bruce McBain Law Institute Victoria President Katie Miller helped give ensuring that the organisation meets its governance who chaired the committee for the first half of the 2014–2015 hardcopy sales a boost after nominating the 2015 edition in obligations, we are aware that without the input and financial year. her top 10 books that all lawyers should read: “The saviour of hard work of the staff we would not be able to undertake any lawyer who has volunteered in a community legal centre, our role. In particular, I want to thank Claudia Fatone and The committee has had a busy and productive year, which The Law Handbook is published annually and gets better with Albert Kuan who have serviced the committee and have included: age.” With reviews like that, the committee is confident of provided high quality information and advice to inform building a growing fan base among lawyers as we push our our decision-making. • establishing a process for interviewing and selecting an publications into the online world. auditor for the organisation. This has now been completed and Davisdsons will be recommended to the membership for ratification at the 2015 AGM. On behalf of the Board, we thank our previous auditor, Sean Denham, who has undertaken the FLS audit over many years. The decision to seek an alternative provider of auditing services was FAMILY LAW CASE STUDY undertaken in consultation with the previous auditor and is in-line with best practice in the governance of not for profit In 2014, Fiona applied for a family violence intervention order against her ex-partner. She was organisations; initially assisted by the FLS family lawyer acting as duty lawyer on the NJC Intervention Order List, however when her application was contested, FLS obtained a grant of aid to assist Fiona at the • developing and recommending to the Board a Risk contested hearing. FLS represented Fiona at the contested hearing and she was granted a final Management Policy and framework, which will provide intervention order. In 2015, Fiona’s ex-partner initiated proceedings for parenting orders. FLS assurance that the risks we face are being appropriately obtained a grant of aid to assist Fiona to respond to his application and continues to represent her in the and proactively managed. The committee understands that Family Court. Fiona is of a non-English speaking background and quite isolated in Melbourne. It was risk management is not about the avoidance of risk, but extremely valuable to Fiona to have the same lawyer for the intervention order and family law proceedings. rather about effective management and risk minimisation;

14. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 15. NIGHT SERVICE – A CLIENT THANK YOU LEGAL PRACTICE I attended your evening service seeking legal advice on a defamation action and I was most impressed with all your staff from the moment I entered the premises, till the time I Meghan Fitzgerald, Principal Solicitor left your office. Please pass on my thanks to the gentleman who manned the front counter, who greeted everybody with a smile, respect and made them all feel important. Special thanks must go to the young lady who I briefed and who in turned briefed the onsite lawyer. She was a joy to have dealt with and a credit to the Fitzroy Legal Service. Finally, I extend In response to changes to legal aid guidelines, the FLS legal practice continues to the onsite lawyer who mentored the young lady my sincere to provide services both to legally aided clients and to clients who cannot appreciation for his time and effort. Overall, my experience with your service was exceptional. afford mainstream private fees.

The focus of casework has been in the areas of infringements, existing staff, and service delivery outcomes. The most criminal law, contested intervention orders, victims of crime recent three year funding agreement for this program applications for assistance, and family law. FLS lawyers expired on 30 June 2015. Pleasingly the program received continue to work closely with community health and housing a further twelve months of funding from the Department agencies to support holistic outcomes to engagement of Health and Human Services. With new funding flowing with the justice system. Compliance with changes to laws to organisations for a range of services from the Victorian governing practice in Victoria has been a strong focus for Government’s Ice Action Plan, the department is examining TAXI DRIVER LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Victoria’s taxi drivers. In August 2014, FLS staff undertook the team also. related funding to make sure investments are being utilised a promotional activity at Melbourne Airport, handing out as effectively as possible, and to maximise social health This program provided legal assistance services – advice fliers to taxi drivers to promote the legal assistance services The family law practice continues to be very busy. We have outcomes and integrated services for people at risk. FLS and casework - to Victorian taxi drivers. The taxi driver available. FLS also promoted the legal assistance program one family law specialist who works three days per week and continues to work with the Department and our program casework undertaken was supplemented by legal services via legal education seminars conducted at 13CABS. one family lawyer who works full-time. The full-time family partners in advocating for continued funding for this FLS provided to taxi drivers through our free generalist legal lawyer is based at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) important service. FLS did not undertake any additional promotional activities advice service and our taxi driver legal education seminars. and is one of the duty lawyers on the Intervention Order List. as the program has been at capacity almost since the very Clients were triaged by volunteer solicitors through the legal In addition to providing duty lawyer services, this lawyer is first month. Almost all of the taxi drivers FLS assisted had NEIGHBOURHOOD JUSTICE CENTRE advice service and those requiring ongoing assistance were able to assist NJC intervention order clients with contested heard of the program through word of mouth (i.e. from provided with casework services. Court appearances were intervention order hearings and related family law issues. other taxi drivers) or through communication with Footscray 2015 has been a busy year for FLS at the NJC. A particular undertaken by pro bono counsel. The additional resources Community Legal Centre. The family lawyer’s casework includes mediations at the focus has been on systemic advocacy in residential tenancy accessed through provision of free legal advice services and matters. This has achieved a number of small wins, including Family Dispute Resolution Service, proceedings in the pro bono court appearance work allowed FLS to provide a FLS provided 139 legal advice services and assistance with an impressive submission on reform of the Residential Federal Circuit Court and Family Court and intervention broader service to more taxi drivers than would otherwise be 40 cases to Victorian taxi drivers. Over 150 taxi drivers from Tenancies Act based on our experience in dealing with order matters in a variety of Magistrates’ Courts. The family possible with the limited funding. across Melbourne were assisted through this program. Of the tenancy matters and interrelated legal issues. Our submission lawyer prioritises representation for clients from the City of casework services provided, we assisted 18 taxi drivers with has a strong focus on the impacts of the current laws on FLS worked together with the Footscray Community Legal Yarra but also represents a number of clients from outside court advocacy, through partnerships with pro bono counsel. victims of family violence and interrelated legal issues. A Centre to promote the combined services and established the City of Yarra. FLS assisted Victorian taxi drivers with a range of issues, number of our proposals were supported in a covering letter effective referral processes between both organisations covering many legal areas across criminal, civil and family law. The FLS criminal law practice continues to work with by the NJC. Additionally, collaborative advocacy with NJC to ensure quality, holistic services were provided to extremely vulnerable and marginalised communities. has resulted in VCAT agreeing to provide a small pool of Our holistic practice engages clients in the system and selected members at NJC beginning in September 2015. This provides links to support services. It is by assisting is likely to be an opportunity for NJC to develop a unique individuals in the early stages of their interaction with the approach to tenancy matters utilising NJC resources and criminal justice system that further involvement can be therapeutic jurisprudence approach. Alongside this systemic minimised and/or avoided. work we provided tenancy information services for night TAXI DRIVER LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CASE STUDY service volunteers and NJC staff. A taxi driver had incurred more than $200,000 worth of toll infringements. FLS had the driver’s DRUG OUTREACH LAWYER PROGRAM In our other areas of practice – family violence and personal fines referred to the Magistrates’ Court and we were able to show a combination of mitigating safety IVOs, criminal law, infringements and VOCAT – we circumstances. The driver had come to Australia from Pakistan where he had been shot for The Drug Outreach Lawyer provides services at locations continue to deliver high quality advocacy and casework. We his political and religious beliefs. FLS referred him to a pro bono clinical psychologist who including Inner Space Drug Safety Services, Odyssey House have developed and implemented new casework guidelines found previously undiagnosed post-traumatic stress and depression. The court considered the Residential Rehab, The Living Room – Youth Projects, YSAS at NJC to streamline referrals. We continue to reflect on the psychologist’s report, together with financial hardship and changes in his personal circumstances, to - Youth Support and Advocacy Service and North Richmond challenges of working in a multi-disciplinary environment reduce the fines to $50,000 and place him on a long-term payment plan. The driver has ceased working Community Health. After over a decade of operation in with Jen Black presenting at the national CLC conference as a taxi driver and is soon to be married. medico-legal partnership with community health service on ‘Adversary, team player or collaborator? A human rights providers, FLS has been engaged this year in an internal perspective on the right to counsel in non-adversarial justice.’ review of the program with stakeholders, previous and

16. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 17. SOCIAL ACTION FLS also worked in partnership with the Homeless Persons Union of Victoria Inc. to ensure the voices of homeless people were incorporated into debate regarding the Bill. The Bill was thoroughly debated in the March sittings of 2014, with a commitment from opposition to repeal the amendments should they hold the balance in the upcoming election. An excerpt is reproduced below: Meghan Fitzgerald, Social Action, In relation to the removal powers and the exclusion orders, the X has experienced long-term homelessness and is unable Policy and Law Reform Manager unintended consequences—at least at their highest they might to access mainstream services. X stated there are no be couched as unintended consequences— are encapsulated services available to women over the age of 26 experiencing by a submission from the Fitzroy Legal Service to the homelessness and outlined the barriers to accessing support government. It was made in consultation with members of the without documentation of her identity. The sale of her Homeless Persons Union Victoria—there is the word ‘union’; do friendship bands in exchange for donations is her only source members opposite want to jump up and down about that? No, of income. I did not think so—a collective of persons with lived experience of homelessness, who indicated as follows: That statement accompanied the view expressed by the Move on powers & impacts on vulnerable Victorians Fitzroy Legal Service, as one of the peak bodies within X is an Aboriginal woman without a birth certificate who has the community legal sector, that currently there are a very In the months preceding the November election of 2014, ‘move on’ police powers were significantly expanded, been unable to obtain Centrelink payments. She obtained broad range of offences that may be alleged, with charges such that a direction to move on based on reasonable suspicion of offending could result in long term exclusion a permit from Melbourne City Council to sell friendship laid, searches conducted and arrest and summons powers orders and ultimately, terms of imprisonment if exclusion orders were not abided by. bracelets. Within the week that has just passed she was used where persons have engaged in criminal offending. In FLS made the following submission to Parliament. directed by police to ‘move on’. X told the police member addition to that there is the capacity for such powers in certain Move on powers & impacts on vulnerable Victorians Impact of the Bill on marginalised communities she had a permit. She was told by police to leave the area circumstances to be exercised where there is an anticipation for 24 hours or she would be charged with begging. No on reasonable grounds that this has occurred. We write in relation to proposed amendments to the Summary It is unquestionable that public spaces are heavily relied documentation was provided to her, and the area she was

Offences and Sentencing Acts. upon by persons experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage. directed to leave was not stated. X was told the public The opposed amendments were repealed, with support from The high representation in our criminal justice system of space she was using was not available to her; this various independents in the Senate, in the first sitting weeks Relationship of the Bill to political demonstration people suffering from acquired brain injury, severe mental contradicted the understanding she had derived from of the newly elected government. health issues, dependence on alcohol and other drugs, consultation with the council. We note that the necessity for the amendments has been intergenerational poverty/ neglect is also irrefutable. The linked to an absence of adequate powers to deal with political same may be said in relation to the over representation of demonstration. We do not believe this is an accurate reflection Aboriginal people. of policing of protest activities in Victoria. A variety of complex strategies at local and State level have been engaged to work towards long term recovery Fitzroy Legal Service alone has provided support/ advice Submission to the Royal Commission into Family Violence in dozens of cases where common law breach of the peace and reintegration objectives. This work involves multiple powers have been relied upon by police to detain persons on stakeholders - police, Courts, community sector services, FLS again worked in partnership with the Homeless Persons Union of Victoria Inc. to put forward submissions from a preventative basis. These powers are activated where there charitable institutions, Councils to name but a few. persons currently or with lived experience of homelessness to the Commission. These submissions were recorded is an apprehension of violence and/ or property damage in and transcribed, and published online in both formats by the Commission on their website. Central themes of the We have grave concerns in relation to the impacts of this Bill in the context of political demonstration or otherwise. As no interviews were the importance of safe housing, responsive service support, early intervention through educational relation to the most marginalised members of our community. criminal offending need be identified, detention for common initiatives, cultural change, harsher penalties on perpetrators, and an end to the stigmatisation of women experiencing For example, many of those we work with are experiencing law breach of the peace does not involve the laying of criminal violence. FLS was humbled by the complex understanding put forward by interviewees, and their commentary on the severe mental health concerns, homelessness, substance charges. This is consistent with the fundamental principles of political implications of funding and prioritisation. A short excerpt is reproduced below: the criminal law. dependence (whether alcohol or other drugs), acquired brain injury. The capacity of many of those we work with to comply … Well I guess I could go really out there and say something Instead it took another year before I chose to walk away and The proposed amendments will remove the guidance of the with a long term exclusion order is compromised by the very really radical like well if they were in that position, if Tony for some people they don’t make it that far. It’s sometimes only common law in this important area, where the legal protection same indicators that may attract it. Abbott was going home for dinner tonight and he’s made that blow to the head that is fatal, or chocking someone until associated with peaceful political expression is given dinner for his wife and the peas touched the mashed potato they’re unconscious so many times until they don’t come back significant weight as a recognised and hallowed cornerstone As such, we believe it is imperative that long term exclusion is and she got really cross and gave him a backhander across the to. It’s terrible what’s going on and it’s terrible how many lives of a well functioning democratic state. treated as a serious penalty impacting access to basic support services and rehabilitation opportunities. Examples of services face maybe then he would say, ‘Oh well maybe this is a serious are lost while all this other money is getting thrown out on We note in cases where criminal offending is alleged - for that may no longer be accessible to vulnerable Victorians issue and maybe I shouldn’t be treated like that’. I’m trying terrorism and all this extra metadata stuff when more women example, trespass, property damage, assault, or hinder/ include - soup vans, counselling, needle syringe programs, to smile and trying to put it out there, but the truth is that and children are being killed than we’re going to have through obstruct police, exclusion orders preventing return to a public health services, job services support, homelessness services. there is a failing in the system to recognise that it is a serious any terrorism in the city. That’s just my opinion. place are routinely incorporated into bail conditions, and may crime and I think that it’s backwards and absolutely ridiculous be applied for at sentencing stage also. Additionally, the manner in which the proposed legislation that the funding is being scrapped from places like domestic facilitates imprisonment for extremely low level offending, and violence outreach services. These places barely have enough The interviews can be accessed at: For these reasons we submit there is no pressing need to in circumstances where criminal offending is not alleged at all, as it is and are running on an empty can of gas and to axe is completely at odds with approaches being developed across them is just saying, ‘Well, go back home’… pass this Bill, which enacts extraordinarily broad changes to www.fitzroy-legal.org.au/cb_pages/files/Transcript%20of%20 the criminal law. Instead we request opportunity to engage the community/ policing/ legal sector. [When I attended a health care service injured but without Submissions%20by%20the%20Homeless%20Person’s%20 in consultation in relation to the matters outlined below is Union%20of%20Victoria%20Inc(3).pdf given precedence. We would humbly request that consideration is given to these a health care card] if they had just shown me some little bit matters, and that further consultation/ amendments are made of care that maybe I was worth to be treated and I was worth to support long term objectives that support strengthened enough of a human being to look at my wounds, maybe I Victorian Communities. would have gotten some help maybe I would have left that relationship that day.

18. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 19. Submission to the 2015 Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) Introduction of Spent Conviction Legislation in Victoria The submission can be accessed at - www.liv.asn.au/ getattachment/787194f0-0474-4f35-bdfd-259d67f7319e/LIV- The focus of the submission put forward by FLS in this context centred on the ‘building of a human rights culture’. In April 2015 the Law Institute of Victoria launched a Submission-Introduction-of-Spent-Conviction-Le.aspx Recommendations put forward were as follows: submission on behalf of its membership advocating for reform to the manner in which criminal record information is dealt with in Victoria. FLS was an active participant in the 1. That investigation is made into educative programs 4. That the Government assess the operation and effect of criminal law working group who developed the submission, focussed on human rights in a socio-historical context, for existing legislation against Charter rights, and explore a and worked in partnership with a pro bono firm to inform example in units related to the Second World War, that might mechanism by which infringement might be investigated and the content. be mainstreamed into high school syllabus in Victoria. reported upon.

2. That enhanced eligibility to legal assistance for persons The submission may be accessed at www.fitzroy-legal.org. engaged with the justice system be considered integral to au/cb_pages/files/Submission%20to%20the%20Charter%20 the building of a human rights culture in Victoria. Review%202015.pdf PROJECTS Legal information for taxi drivers 3. The SARC (Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee) be investigated in relation to ambit of role, independence, Community Worker Forums FLS continues to provide legal education to taxi drivers transparency, adequate resourcing, and optimal contribution undertaking the Advanced Training Program at 13CABS. The Following the success of the local Community Workers Forum to discourse regarding protected human rights. sessions are presented at two 13CABS training centres, in (CWF) in 2014 in the City of Yarra, FLS applied for a grant Preston and Oakleigh, on Tuesdays each week and once or from the Victoria Law Foundation (VLF) to run a series of twice monthly on Sundays. Monash Oakleigh Legal Service CWFs across various locations in metropolitan and regional has worked with FLS in presenting some of the sessions at Victoria. Thanks to the VLF, FLS was able to organise and run the Oakleigh location. During the period of this report, FLS nine forums across the state: in Geelong, Albury-Wodonga, has presented this program to 600–650 taxi drivers, covering East West Link – Murphy v the State of Victoria & Linking In relation to the distinction between governmental versus Mildura, Morwell, Ballarat, Broadmeadows, Nunawading, legal topics such as fines and infringements, assault and Melbourne Authority business function, the Court of Appeal stated ‘… As is Maribyrnong and Frankson. In total, 190 community workers sexual assault, Workcover and victims of crime, and other established by authority, there is a distinction between those attended the training. legal topics specific to taxi drivers in their work.As the case Between late April 2014 and January 2015, FLS and a pro functions of a government which are purely governmental with the previous year, evaluation surveys reflect that over bono team of barristers (Ron Merkel QC, Melinda Richards or regulatory in nature and those which may entail the The forums consisted of four sessions: 95% of the drivers find the sessions either very easy or easy to SC, Julian Burnside QC, Simona Gory, Caryn Van Proctor, carrying on of a business, it is important to keep in mind understand, and the same amount of drivers find the content 1 Introduction to the criminal justice system Matthew Albert) were retained by Anthony Murphy to bring that, in some cases, the two may co-exist… between those either very useful or useful. This project provides FLS with a consumer law case that traversed the Supreme Court, extremities conceivably lies a range of possibilities of mixed 2 Sentencing and therapeutic jurisprudence invaluable insight into the taxi services industry and the legal Court of Appeal, and High Court. Pivotal to the case was governmental and business activities which, depending on issues that arise for taxi drivers. the engagement and/ or support of various community all the facts and circumstances of the particular case, may 3 Civil law: Fines/infringements, intervention orders and collectives, including most pivotally the Residents Against yield a conclusion that the State is carrying on a business in victims of crime the Tunnel. conjunction with or at the same time as discharging its purely governmental functions.’ [58] 4 Confidentiality and duty of care The premise of the case involved the allegation that the public private partnership through which the East West Link The appeal was successful in having the decision below set FLS staff worked closely with staff from local community was to be constructed, financed and operate involved the aside, though it was held the balance of convenience did not legal centres who provided support in local promotion and State in carrying on a business. It was further alleged that favour the granting of an injunction preventing the signing of presented on the day. the representations made in the short form of the business the contracts. It was this question that was taken to the High case as to the Net Economic Benefit and Benefit Cost Ratio Court – that is, the question of the relevance of the harm to A feedback survey was posted on Survey Monkey to evaluate were misleading and deceptive, and made in the course the public as a relevant factor in assessing where the balance each forum as it took place. The feedback FLS received was of trade and commerce. The plaintiff sought injunctions of convenience lay. It was decided this question could only very positive, with over 93% of responses indicating that the preventing the continued publication of the representations, be addressed after the matter had been through the trial sessions presented were extremely or quite clearly useful and and entering into contracts where those representations had process back in the Supreme Court. the content was either extremely or quite clearly useful. been made in the procurement process. At all times the focus of this litigation was on transparency Discovery of documents, including the long form of the of government. In July 2014 the Productivity Commission business case, were opposed by the State and Linking Inquiry into Public Infrastructure made findings that ran Melbourne Authority on the basis of public interest immunity. contrary to the State’s position, stating ‘All governments The case proceeded in the absence of discovery in the should commit to subjecting all public infrastructure Supreme Court, and was lost. On appeal, the Court made a investment proposals above $50 million to rigorous cost– number of significant statements in relation to the manner in benefit analyses that are publicly released and made Midsumma Carnival volunteers which public private partnerships operate, and the scrutiny available for due diligence by bidders.’ Recommendation with which they might be treated. 2.3 In relation to ‘commercial in confidence arguments, the Commission stated, “the benefits created through For example, in relation to the legal concept of ‘carrying transparency are likely to be substantial and significant on business/ in trade and commerce within the meaning effects on bids are unlikely, provided there is effective of the ACL, the Court stated “… the word ‘business’ is an competition in procurement”, and that private participants ‘etymological chameleon’ which takes its meaning from the should understand that the “normal presumption of context in which it appears and from the purpose of the transparency should prevail as a condition of involvement in statute in which it is found…. it’s meaning is informed by government-backed projects”. the purpose of 2B of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which is to ensure that the Crown in right of the State Following the 2014 election and change in government, the of Victoria should in its commercial activities be subject to business case was released for inspection to the public, as the same regime as corporations and other private entities.’ this was deemed to be ‘in the public interest’. [47-48]

20. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 21. SOCIAL ACTION

CONTINUED

Legal education for men from CALD communities Sector networks and engagement

In 2014, FLS received a three-year grant from the Investing We participated in the Federation of Community Legal in Community Partnerships Program of the City of Yarra to Centre’s facilitated Community Legal Education Workers run legal education programs for men from culturally and network. Due to clashing commitments and projects, we linguistically diverse communities (CALD). Due to the fact could not participate as much as we have in previous years. that FLS has a criminal law practice, it is uniquely placed in the community and across the community legal centre sector FLS attended the Yarra Settlement Forum and participated in its relationship with men, particularly in family violence in the website working group. We also participated in the matters. This has provided us with a pathway to engage Richmond Local Area Partnership, the Yarra Family Violence with men and the role that men can play in reducing family Network and the Victoria Law Foundation Education Forum. violence. This particular project aims to address the low level of legal literacy many men from CALD communities National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have in relation to the family violence legal framework. The The NDIS website was launched in August 2014: http:// preventative role of increased legal literacy, and in particular, ndisrights.org.au. The launch was well attended, and the the legal consequences of family violence, is the key focus guest speaker Stella Young was inspiring. FLS was saddened of the project. Working together with a range of community to hear of Stella’s passing just a few months later. FLS groups, leaders and the oversight of a steering committee, acknowledges the support of our partner CLCs – Hobart we will be producing family law/family violence resources Community Legal Centre and Redfern Legal Service – along that will be made available in a range of different languages, with consultant Ian Parsons in the development of this and tested in focus group settings. We are aiming for these important resource. resources to be used by community leaders, agencies, Victoria Police, as well as agencies that facilitate orientation Midsumma carnival to the community for newly arrived people. FLS shared a stall with the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights So far, FLS has established and has been consulting with a Lobby and distributed more than 2000 fliers promoting the steering committee comprising of individuals from Victoria LGBTIQ legal advice service as well as a wide range of other Police, the Neighbourhood Justice Centre, CoHealth, merchandise promoting FLS. The stall had the added benefit No To Violence, New Hope Foundation, Brotherhood of of allowing volunteers to connect with each other. St Laurence, and the Men’s Referral Service. Extensive community consultation has taken place with community leaders, groups and agencies, including Men’s Behavioral Change Programs and Family Relationship Centres. FLS has also been attending the local Family Violence Networks.

Community legal education

FLS has provided a range of community legal education during the year. We have facilitated sessions to different agencies on numerous topics, including:

• Monash University, Legal Interpreting Course – Introduction to the Legal System (two sessions);

• New Hope Foundation, Youth Behind the Wheel Program – Driving and the Law series (four sessions);

• RMIT, Community Services Students – Confidentiality and Duty of Care for Community Workers (two sessions);

• Melbourne Polytechnic (previously NMIT), Young Adult Migrant Education Program – Introduction to the Legal System series (total 10 sessions).

22. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 23. NDIS website launch – Drug Outreach Lawyer Hollie Golding, Community Development Officer Ela Stewart, Executive Officer Claudia Fatone with Stella Young VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Julie Fletcher, Volunteer Coordinator

Another extremely busy and challenging 12 months has passed by at Fitzroy Legal Service, with the persistent dedication of our volunteer team assisting to keep the doors open to our clients.

As we watch the changing scene on the political stage at both A growing number of law firms across Australia are providing federal and state levels, there is one tangible constant and pro bono policies and programs and many lawyers wishing that is the commitment of our volunteers to providing their to increase their involvement in community life and the path expertise for the benefit of others. of social justice have approached us to obtain volunteering roles within the organisation. The main focus of interest is During the 2014–2015 period, I have had the pleasure of the free legal advice drop in service run five nights a week again recruiting many new volunteers from a wide range of at Fitzroy Legal Service. We have, within our volunteer night backgrounds and possessing various levels of expertise. Due service legal team, many highly experienced solicitors and to the number of universities offering law degrees, there barristers who provide the night service with the ability to has been an increase in enquiries from law students wishing empower our clients by providing them with the knowledge to participate in the life of a community legal centre to and skills to protect their legal rights. Sometimes this may obtain real life experience that is impossible to acquire in an be as simple as providing referral pathways, drafting letters educational institution. Fitzroy Legal Service’s partnerships to various employer or government bodies, explaining the with the University of Melbourne and the Australian Catholic procedures involved in addressing their legal issue through University law schools have continued to provide law to assisting with the drafting of complex affidavits or court students the opportunity to undertake pro bono placements documents. at the service. The students from the Juris Doctor program at the University of Melbourne provide high calibre assistance Our specialist clinics have continued to play a vital role in the Volunteer Danielle Trabsky with Family Lawyer Ella Crotty at the FLS Christmas Party to our legal team at the Fitzroy Legal Service office and the provision of free legal advice to clients with family law and community lawyers at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre. animal law issues. Towards the end of the year, the Tuesday Through the summer and winter internships, students are night Neighbourhood Justice Centre family law clinic was provided with the opportunity to spend time with lawyers redirected to Wednesday nights at the Fitzroy Legal Service in the courts, observe client interactions within criminal Johnston Street office due to administrative difficulties Over the last 12 months, there have been sessions This year we also introduced a mid-year volunteer function, and family law contexts and assist with the provision of high resulting from being offsite. The move has resulted in a far on Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal procedures, which was hosted by Clayton Utz in June 2014. Approximately level legal support. The Social Action Team also delivers more streamlined service that complements the Thursday criminal law, family law, employment law, infringements, 50 volunteers attended and were fortunate to hear from opportunities to students to play a part in the preparation night family law clinic, but still gives priority to residents consumer law and others. Melinda Richards SC about her career in the law to date. of submissions and reports in the all-important areas of law of the City of Yarra. The family law clinics are staffed by reform and community legal education. All involvement experienced volunteer family lawyers with the clinics usually On Monday 11 May 2015, Claudia Fatone, myself and a As Volunteer Coordinator, I would personally like to thank all of law students in a volunteering capacity at Fitzroy Legal booked out weeks in advance. Lawyers for Animals and group of volunteers, attended the Yarra Volunteering Event, the volunteers for their continued outstanding support to the Service assists to promote the sector as a possible future Fitzroy Legal Service continue to operate the ever popular which is celebrated each year by the City of Yarra. This event service, whether you are a part of the day or night service, career choice for those students who are already or will Friday night animal law clinic with the numbers of clients celebrates the contribution of the thousands of volunteers the various FLS committees, the Board, Social Action Team become passionate advocates for our clients. continuing to grow. who assist in providing a myriad of services across the City of volunteers or help out each year with The Law Handbook Yarra. The volunteers who attended on behalf of Fitzroy Legal publication. Fitzroy Legal Service is so important to the The day practice has continued to receive the legal support The Continuing Professional Development sessions have Service at the event this year were Erwin Reiss, Gay Miller, community – we advocate, educate and communicate and necessary to function with high caseloads and long court become even more popular with our paralegal and legal Stephanie Tzanetis, Rozeet Hussain, Christopher Rodrigues- without our volunteers, we would be silent. attendances. Fitzroy Legal Service continues to utilise the volunteers with each session usually booked to capacity. Nascimento, Rania Zaydan and Sandra Crone. skills of many young law graduates who are in the process Most training sessions are presented by volunteers of completing their practical legal training or are yet to find possessing expertise in a particular area of law that is directly Our annual volunteer and member Christmas party was held employment. Without the assistance of these dedicated related to the issues faced by our clients. By attending these again at the Provincial Hotel in Fitzroy and was a wonderful volunteers, our lawyers would not be able to provide timely presentations, our legal volunteers ensure that they are kept evening, well attended by many of the Fitzroy Legal Service assistance and advocacy to their clients. The night service up to date with relevant procedures and legislation necessary ‘family’. Celebrating the year that was, the annual get also has a high representation of young lawyers who fill the to provide clients with accurate advice. Our paralegal together was filled with an array of colourful stories and roles of paralegals/observational solicitors while gaining the volunteers find these sessions particularly useful as a way to provided a chance for volunteers and members alike to experience required to provide our clients with high level acquire knowledge from experienced practitioners and to ponder the highs and lows that are a part of being involved in accurate advice. develop more practical skills. a community legal centre.

24. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 25. Hamish Kelly Philippa McInerney Natasha Papaelia Fabiola Superina

Anusha Kenny Helen McKenzie-Fairlie Alex Partington Serge Sztrajt

VOLUNTEERS Joshua Khan Holly McLean Beatrice Paull Janet Tan

Devesh Khanna Carmel Meade Gilda Pekin Jaclyn Tang 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015 Leila Kirsch Zubin Menon Kathleen Phelan Lydia Tasevska

Hayley Kollaris Nyssa Meyer Teresa Pollock Jason Themistoklis

Sengul Korkmaz Haseeb Mian Dylan Rae-White Talitha Thomas

Sally Krutsch Cos Michaelides Moira Rayner Cassandra Thompson

Vasudha Akula Ebru Campos Alicia De Pedro Suzan Gencay Gianna Laidlaw Jacob Mildren Cate Read Emily Thornton

Melanie Albarella Joseph Carbone Jeylan Deniz Hanna Genee Annette Lakey Gay Miller Libby Reikert Laura Toll

John Aliferis Christina Carney Stacey Devitsakis Paul Glass Carlene Lamanna Michelle Miller Jessica Reiseger Amelia Toohey

Lachy Allen Natasha Cecic Sam Diamond Sally Gould Jon Lasarevic Mark Millward Erwin Reiss Sogand Torahi

Elizabeth Altson Julian Chadwick Phoebe Ding Simone Grace Kai Lau Jenna Molan Sarah Rennie Danielle Trabsky

Joseph Amin Yunn Shin Chen Michelle Doan Tom Gyopar Lena Lettau Brendan Molck Ellis Rigby Rebecca Tran

Tully Anders Edwina Cheung Maja Doma Lauren Hadolt Nareeda Lewers Nick Moodie Emma Roberts Elizabeth Tueno

Rosalind Avis Jason Chew Peter Dombkins Maiken Hansen Joe Lewis Cecilia Moon Alistair Robertson Sophie Tversky

Joanna Bairamidis Phoebe Chorin Nichola Donovan Brett Harding Ffyona Livingstone Bec Mouy Chris Rodrigues- Stephanie Tzanetis Nascimento Sally Bastick Rian Chubb Sam Drummond Jake Harris Godwin Lo Shaun Moran Giana Urma Renata Romeo Callen Behmer Jonathon Ciullo Rebecca Dunn Daniel Harrison Elysia Longo Sean Mulcahy Ella Van Der Schans Fiona Rothville Rebecca Bessant Jacob Clancy Michael Dunstan Zamir Haseed Marina Lou Ellen Murphy Bianca Vassilios Samantha Rowe Jane Billings Justine Clark Hannah Duxbury Ruby Heffernan Peter Loukas George Newhouse Serena Vos Isabella Royce Elizabeth Bitar Georgie Coleman Hannah Ekers Prue Healy Caitlin Louth Sarah Newton Molly Walsh Lorien Ruane Georgia Blackie Jenny Collins Nick Ellis Thomas Hedditch David Lucas Natalie Ng Lucy Wang Caroline Rubira Harry Bleas Andrew Conley Esther Faine-Vallantin Amy Herbert Isolde Lueckenhausen Bronwyn Ng Shane Welsh Rick Ruffalo Paul Boers Nigel Cooke Ann Marie Farrell Dirk Heinz Madeleine Lynch Thy Nguyen Verity White Lucas Rutten Genevieve Borg Damien Cooling Shanti Fatchen Chris Hooper Molly Lynch Gorjan Nikolovski Katie White-Spier Jack Ryan Louis Bowden Carmendy Cooper Sarah Featherstonhaugh Sharon Humphries Peter Lynch Bowman Nixon Alex Whelan Sonia Sawant Lucinda Brash Chantal Coultson Roman Fido Rozeet Hussain Danijel Malbasa Cynthia Nixon Adam Wilson Melanie Scherrin Manny Brennan Nilay Crafti Kate Fitzgerald Ross Hutchins Jane Marchment Amy Nolan Catherine Wilson Meredith Schilling Anya Brooking Andrew Cromb Stephen Fitzpatrick Will Hutchins Elsa Markula Morgan Nyland Tara Winney Jason Schoen Sharyn Broomhead Sandra Crone Lucienne Folder Sophie Ismail Ksandra Maruna Patrick O’Connor Brendan Wood Anna Seddon Stephanie Brown Joanne Cunningham Amy Frew Francis Jacka Marcello Nicola Ojerholm Elizabeth Wortley Mary Shamaly Joni Burns Tessa D’Abbs Alix Friedman Arwen Johns Andrew Maver Jessica O’Riley Tara Winney Rebecca Smart Harriet Burton Vu Dang Synnove Frydenlund Paul Johnson Alex Maxwell Luis Quintero-Moctezuma Ed Yap Lesley Smith Corey Byrne Michelle Davies Jeri Fung Georgia Jones Bruce McBain Samuel O’Sullivan Jayne Yu Amy Somers Courtney Cameron Robert De Angelis Stephen Gault Simone Karmis Travis McCarthy Camilla Ottoway Rania Zaydan Kirsty Souter Evie Cameron Jaime Deano Rebecca George Michael Katz Robert McCloskey Joanna Pak

26. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 27. PUBLICATIONS

Claudia Fatone, Exectutive Officer

The law remains complex and largely out of the hands of the everyday person. There are always new laws and new ways that the average Victorian can fall foul of our legal system. We know that the best way to keep people from falling foul of the justice system is through knowledge – it saves time, unnecessary heartache and money.

It is then not a coincidence that The Law Handbook remains There were many individuals who assisted in developing the popular with lawyers, students, community workers and the new site including: general public – and for bread and butter legal matters such as infringements, family issues, and basic information about • website developers Dvize Creative, in particular how the legal system works. Glenn Todd;

The Law Handbook website was developed in 2009 and • Sunset Publishing – Darryl Nixon, Sue Harvey and in that time has had over 4.6 million users. The resource is Greg Doolan – who assisted with content uploading; and one of the most relied upon plain-English legal resources in • freelance consultant Trischa Mann, FLS Board member Victoria. While the website has been a resounding success Sandra McKay, committee member Samantha Amjadali and in terms of user access, with the advances in technology and volunteers Carmel Meade and Royal Abbott for assistance use of mobile devices, the website was at risk of becoming with writing website content. 2015 Law Handbook launch - Hon. Martin Pakula, Attorney General less functional and accessible. Our former Law Handbook Editor, Sarah Marlowe, project Computers, mobile devices and the internet are becoming managed the website redevelopment during her time with increasingly important in enabling people to communicate FLS, while our LHB editor was on maternity leave. Sarah did and to access information and services. In the context of an outstanding job of managing the website re-development • the refinement of section, chapter and content headings to FLS was successful in applying for a Google Adwords Grant, disability specifically, they are also increasingly becoming the while concurrently managing the publication of The Law ensure that they are clear and free of legal jargon as much which provided an opportunity to receive in-kind support basis for versatile aids to assist people in overcoming their Handbook 2015 hardcopy. as possible. This is particularly important for non-legal from Google to make use of Google Adwords. Campaigns limitations and restrictions. users of the resource. promoting the sale of The Law Handbook (hardcopy and The URL remains the same (www.lawhandbook.org.au). The ebook) as well as promotion of direct legal assistance A key focus in 2014–2015 was the re-development of The Law new website has been designed to be more responsive and FLS maintains a number of other informational website services were established. Handbook website to incorporate responsive design, which accessible; some of the main changes being: presences including NDIS Rights, Law 4 Education, Activist would increase its functionality and accessibility. Thanks to Rights and Service Directory for Drug and Alcohol Services. FLS launched the 2015 Law Handbook on the 20th support from the Telematics Trust, the Erica Foundation and • the new website has been developed using a WordPress These discrete websites have been developed over time and November 2014 and we thank our guest speaker, Deborah the Victoria Law Foundation, FLS was able to review and platform, which will make it easier for FLS to keep the site usually in response to one-off grants. This has meant that Glass OBE, Victorian Ombudsman, for her contribution to completely re-develop The Law Handbook website. up to date; there have been only limited resources available to keep a successful event. website information current, little if any usability testing, Converting the website into responsive design involved an • responsive and accessible design – the site has been and little strategy around providing sustainable support for FLS would like to acknowledge Victorian Attorney-General entire re-design of the existing website and development of designed with these key principles in mind. Responsive websites. There has not been the opportunity to reflect on Martin Pakula and the Victorian Government for their a new site. Discussions with stakeholders with expertise in so that it can be easily viewed on mobile devices, and how these different sites relate to each other. Nonetheless support of The Law Handbook, including provision of funding online legal information informed the development of the accessible so that anyone using the site can easily the website content that is hosted by FLS is considered for the next four years to ensure this incredibly important new site. FLS would like to acknowledge the contribution of navigate and find the information they need; extremely important and is a valued community resource. community resource remains freely accessible online for the Victoria Law Foundation Deputy Director Elisa Berg, Kieran Victorian community. Curtain from Victoria Legal Aid, and Steve Wommersley • content re-structure – the old site had three levels of An initial review of the websites resulted in a decision to from the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre who content – 9 sections, 24 chapters and 81 sub-chapters, de-commission the Drug and Alcohol Services Directory provided invaluable feedback that informed the design of whereas the new site includes just the two levels - 12 website and instead the URL was re-directed to a section the site. sections and 84 chapters; on the FLS website that contained the all-important content from the website. We will continue to review our online legal We were also able to conduct some user testing, which was • the inclusion of section, chapter and page summaries – information resources to ensure that they are current and made possible through a small grant from the Victoria Law this will assist with searchability; and best serve the needs of users. Foundation. This has enabled further refinement of the site.

28. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 29. FINANCIAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Net assets (excess of assets over At 30 June 2015 the VLA Allowable Publications reported a deficit of liabilities) decreased from $322,844 to Surplus was $84,305 compared to $34,553 compared to a deficit of $260,834 as at 30 June 2015. $37,329 last year. $37,231 in the previous year, mainly due to focus on maintaining the Law Service operating result incorporates Pleasingly the Practice reported a Handbook Online as a free community services funded through the surplus of $910 compared to $50,755 resource despite no dedicated funding Community Legal Services Program deficit in the previous year. The for it. Other losses are attributable (CLSP). In compliance with Victoria turnaround can be attributed to to insufficient funding in some minor Legal Aid funding guidelines, any practice income more than doubling projects. surplus is not recognised but carried compared to the previous year, and forward to the following year as donations more than tripling. unspent grant and available to offset any deficits.

As in previous years, FLS received various grants, donations and sponsorships that allowed it to undertake activities and projects that it could not otherwise have funded. These funds included:

Directors’ meetings MEETINGS MEETINGS DIRECTOR The following table shows the number HELD ATTENDED of Board meetings held during the financial year ended 30 June 2015 and Vera Boston 10 10 the number attended by each Director (while they were a Director). During the financial year, 11 Board meetings Joanne Butterworth-Gray 8 8 were held. Christina Carney 11 9

Andrew Conley 11 10

Corinne Grant 11 7

Bruce McBain 11 11

Sandra McKay 11 9

Fiona Rothville 6 6

30. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 31. 32. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 33. 34. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 35. 36. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 37. 38. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 39. 40. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 41. 42. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.aufitzroy-legal.org.au 43. The Board: L-R Joanne Butterworth-Gray, Christina Carney, Andrew Conley, Corinne Grant, Bruce McBain, Fiona Rothville, Sandra McKay (Absent: Vera Boston)

44. Fitzroy Legal Service — Annual Report & Financial Report 2014 — 2015 fitzroy-legal.org.au 124 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 T (03) 9419 3744 [email protected] fitzroy-legal.org.au