A new report reveals that residents seeking legal help in Wyndham face significant barriers, with ageing and overstretched facilities failing to keep up with population growth.
Wyndham Legal Service senior policy lawyer Shorna Moore said Outer Sight, Out of Justice was further proof of the need for a dedicated justice precinct in the municipality.
The report, released late last week by the Law Institute of Victoria, identified family law, domestic violence, driving infringements, consumer law, debts, mortgage stress and neighbourhood issues as key problems in Wyndham. It revealed an urgent need for a criminal, civil and administrative justice centre in the community.
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As reported by the Weekly, key groups including Victoria Police and the Wyndham Legal Service, have stepped up a campaign for a major court, police and justice precinct in the city.
The planned precinct, earmarked by the Metropolitan Planning Authority for a four-hectare site near the existing Werribee police station, would include a new court house, police station and legal aid centre, acting as a “one-stop shop” for numerous services.
Wyndham currently has one community legal centre that has limited capacity for outreach.
Ms Moore said population growth meant Werribee Magistrates Court was unable to hear many matters, with cases frequently moved to the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
“Considering the demographics of those living in outer-metropolitan areas, there is even more of a need to make sure access to justice is obtainable,” she said.
The report urges the state government to provide access to specialist courts and services in Wyndham. It recommends the creation of a local Victoria Legal Aid office to help disadvantaged residents, and a community justice centre to provide pre- and post-court support for issues including mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, welfare and housing and problem gambling.
The report was welcomed by Chris Potaris, chief executive of the Committee for Wyndham, which is leading the charge for the justice precinct.
Mr Potaris, who said Wyndham’s justice system was at ‘‘breaking point’’, called for urgent discussions between community groups and the state and federal governments to ensure the report’s recommendations were adhered to.
