EMPOWERING CHANGE: THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF MONASH LAW CLINICS
Written by Melissa Fletcher, Senior Manager Partnerships and Clinics.
Melissa Fletcher, Senior Manager Partnerships and Clinics.
Monash Law Clinics have once again been able to demonstrate their commitment to delivering transformative legal services, thanks to the unwavering support of our funding partners.
Significant contributions from the Commonwealth and State Governments and Victoria Legal Aid support our Professional Practice and Family Law Assistance Programs. These programs
are essential to the delivery of accessible legal aid to those who need it most. These services are enhanced by the Litigant Support Fund provided by the Pratt Foundation, which also supports a range of specialist clinics.
In 2023/24 funding and resourcing support enabled the development and continuation of clinics that addressed specific client need:
- Vulnerable clients with taxation matters were supported through the Monash Tax Clinic funded by the Australian Taxation Office
- The NDIS Clinic was funded by the Perpetual Foundation (Sir Wilfred & CH Brooks Charitable Foundation)
- Families in need of mediation services were supported through the Cybec Foundation
- Clients experiencing complex medico-legal issues were assisted in our cohealth clinic, funded by a private benefactor
- Climate change legal work was supported by Mr Ernie Chow and
Dr Gwen Hinze. Further invaluable support was generously provided by Russell Kennedy Lawyers and Lander & Rogers through the provision of secondee lawyers.
Continuing support from Mr Cary Stynes ensures that Monash Law Clinics has the IT equipment required to function effectively in service provision and student education. A grant from Mr Patrick Loftus- Hill will expand the experience of two students in our International Trade clinic (TradeLab) through their attendance at an international conference.
We are grateful to the Victorian Law Foundation for their recognition of the research work of Dr Cate Banks in the area of trauma-informed practice in service delivery to vulnerable clients and in work to ensure systemic change.
We note the continuing success of Dr Cate Banks in securing financial support for research relating to the work of MLC’s Health Justice Partnership (HJP) with cohealth. Cate secured a Knowledge Grant from the Victoria Law Foundation for a project on ‘Limiting systems abuse if Guardians fail to protect’. Cate also obtained a service delivery grant from
the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety for HJP work. This is great recognition of Cate’s expertise and MLC’s capacity to make a difference in the health justice area.
In another rewarding year of impact, we thank our staff, volunteers and supporters who provide the dedication and commitment that form the foundation of our success. Together we continue to transform lives, empower individuals and create lasting positive change in our community.