Connecting the dots

Returning from away, there’s always a golden moment to look afresh – in our case to assess VLF’s place in the venn diagram of the legal system, in all its diversity and complexity; the community; and our contribution to the future through policy. The opportunity for that reflection is fleeting but precious, before routine sets in again for the year.

Getting better at justice requires all of us to think more broadly about how we can connect those dots in our work. Improvement depends on all of us being able to step outside daily tasks to learn, talk and think.

The annual Legal Laneway Breakfasts set this tone right at the beginning of the year. This fun and informative event has been staged in central Melbourne for more than 20 years, for the last three in Ballarat, and for the first time this year in Horsham and Shepparton. We’re delighted that the idea of getting together at the beginning of our annual endeavours to listen and connect is proving popular all over the state. The more online our lives become the greater the appreciation for in person events, and sharing a breakfast canapé (yes, that’s a thing) is a fine way to catch up with old pals and get the big picture from our legal leadership.

Getting insights into the thinking and style of the people at the top is always fascinating and an important indicator of values and direction. Last year we recorded In Conversation with Chief Justice Richard Niall, capturing his thoughtful reflections on issues shaping the justice landscape. The Chief emphasised how important it is for courts to build community trust through transparency and consistency – vital in this time of ever greater fragmentation. Chief Justice Niall has also kindly agreed to join the Attorney General as a key speaker at the Melbourne Breakfast.

As I write I’m anxiously watching the forecast. The distress facing communities affected by climate disasters is profound, and from the Public Understanding of Law Survey we can show the long-term impact of these events. That research revealed that major events like bushfires can cause and intensify legal problems, resulting in clusters of interconnected issues. Delays in resolving problems and significant and cascading financial and emotional consequences, put people in sustained stress. What we also learnt was that people who had been affected in 2019/20 did not generally connect their ongoing legal problems after two or three years to their fire experience. The data categorically said otherwise. What this demonstrates so clearly is the need for long-term and evidence-informed support in disaster affected regions. This reality is now widely accepted, but the resourcing is still challenging. We hope sincerely there are no further disasters this summer.

Collaboration is everything. On the ground after a disaster, and in our everyday practice. VLF is proud to facilitate some of this work, and we look forward very much to a year of strong and informed conversations, helping to build skills and knowledge across the sector and beyond, and learning more from all of you. In 2026 we’re supercharging our commitment to exchange and engage as hosts of the International Access to Justice Forum. The conversations and openings for curious collaborations goes global in October this year – stay tuned for more information!

These consistent themes of connection between law, community and what’s possible, will shape our contribution in the year ahead. We look forward to working with you!