Insights from the International Access to Justice Forum 2024

Chris has worked for over 20 years with and for communities facing significant human rights issues including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and mental health issues. During his time as CEO, Justice Connect launched its 2024 strategy to better equip the organisation to tackle compounding challenges and crises. This strategy reinforces Justice Connect’s responsive approach to legal need, and commitment to innovate and use digital strategies in order to help more people and not-for-profit organisations. Chris currently serves as on the boards of the Australian Pro Bono Centre and the Human Rights Law Centre, and is Chair of the New South Wales Legal Assistance Forum. He previously served on the board of the Federation of Community Legal Centres and Council to Homeless Persons. In 2010, Chris travelled to England, Scotland, the US and Canada as a Churchill Fellow to investigate programs to help high risk tenants keep their homes, and stop homelessness before it starts.

Belinda Lo is the Director of Legal Services and Principal Lawyer at the Eastern Community Legal Centre.  

Belinda has worked across the legal assistance sector for over 20 years, primarily advocating for the rights of victim survivors of family violence and sexual assault in legal representation, law reform and wider policy and sector reform areas.  Belinda has a served on a number of boards, including Victoria Law Foundation, the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Domestic Violence Resource Centre and DV Vic (transition board).  

Apart from practising as a lawyer, Belinda also was seconded to the Federation of Community Legal Centres in 2018 to serve as the CEO.

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Studying legal need and capability from every angle, Hugh has worked on several landmark access to justice and legal needs projects. 

Previously at the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW for 15 years, Hugh joined Victoria Law Foundation in September 2019 as Principal Researcher, taking on the Research Director role in August 2024. He led the Foundation’s Data Mapping Project, a sustained examination of the use and utility of Victoria’s civil justice data and continues to work on the Public Understanding of Law Survey.

Throughout his career, Hugh has worked closely with legal aid commissions, community legal centres, and state and federal governments, giving him a deep understanding of legal institutions and access to justice issues throughout Australia.

Kristen is a highly experienced social justice leader and a lawyer who has dedicated more than 20 years to serving local communities. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Monash Legal Service, where she leads an impact-driven team providing legal support, social support, community development and advocacy for marginalised communities.