Two decades of community advocacy
Consumer Action Law Centre has demonstrated what can be achieved when consumer insights, effective advocacy, legal analysis, research and persuasive argument come together.
The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) celebrated its twentieth anniversary in August and during the past two decades it has demonstrated what can be achieved when consumer insights, effective advocacy, legal analysis, research and persuasive argument come together.
It is thanks to their advocacy that communities recognise consumer issues as legal problems, become aware of the options available to them and understand where to seek assistance.
As the recipient of a VLF Everyday Legal Grant, CALC has been able to showcase, through two case study videos, the impact of consumer legal assistance and the importance of early access to legal support.
The videos feature clients who shared their lived experiences of consumer harm and their pathway to access justice.
The first video features Paul, who shared his experience of unsolicited solar panel sales and being left with a faulty product. CALC together with an external Financial Counsellor worked collaboratively with the sector to support Paul in resolving the matter and having the debt for the faulty solar panels waived.
The second video features Rick, who after the 2022 floods in Mooroopna, faced a prolonged insurance dispute that took more than two years to resolve. Thanks to CALC, Rick was able to access legal assistance and achieve a settlement outcome with his insurer.
Mel Rygl, VLF’s Grants Director, said: “Everyday Legal Grants are designed to help people recognise legal issues, understand their options and find the support they need. By sharing Paul and Rick’s experiences in an accessible and engaging way, CALC is helping more Victorians understand their rights and see the difference that timely legal assistance can make.”
“Their willingness to tell their stories will help other community members recognise consumer issues, understand their rights and seek support when needed” said CALC’s Sarah Newman.
“Presenting this information in an accessible video format helps community members and the workers who support them recognise that assistance is available and that CALC can provide legal advice and support to frontline workers assisting clients experiencing consumer issues.”
Everyday Legal Grants
Everyday Legal Grants support civil legal projects that help people access legal information, find the support they need, and navigate the Victorian justice system. For more information visit our webpage.
Applications can be submitted until 30 June 2027 or until funding has been fully allocated.
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