Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Mildura, VIC

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative Limited (VALS) was established as a community controlled Co-operative Society in 1973. VALS plays an important role in providing referrals, advice/information, duty work or case work assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the State of Victoria. Solicitors at VALS specialise in various areas of law, including Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Law. VALS strives to: Promote social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Promote the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to empowerment, identity and culture; Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy their rights, are aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access to appropriate advice, assistance and representation; Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system; and Promote the review of legislation and other practices which discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.