RESIDENTS in Wyndham’s outer suburbs are being invited to have their say on the accessibility of legal services.
Wyndham Legal Service has received a grant from the Legal Services Board to explore access to justice in Tarneit, Truganina and Wyndham Vale and is asking residents to complete a survey.
Community development lawyer Shorna Moore said the service was particularly interested in finding out what might be preventing low-income and vulnerable communities from accessing legal advice.
She said the survey would help the service compile a report identifying new and improved models for legal service delivery in the outer suburbs.
“We have noticed that many of our clients who have visited our services are living further out west, isolated not only by language but location,” Ms Moore said.
“Being the sole community legal service provider in Wyndham, we are very concerned about how accessible legal services and access to justice are to people living in the outer suburbs of Wyndham.”
Ms Moore said limited public transport between Werribee and Tarneit, Truganina and Wyndham Vale made it even more difficult for people to access legal advice. A lack of legal aid and support services at Werribee Magistrates Court was also a hinderance.
As well as gauging the opinion of residents, the service will work with police, the Sheriff’s Office, courts, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and community organisations to determine the best way to provide legal help. Details: 97410198.
