Better education and information needed to address legal needs

Victoria Law Foundation Executive Director Joh Kirby said the findings of the national LAW Survey, released this week, highlight the ongoing need for legal education in Victoria.

The survey estimates that more than two million Victorians experience at least one legal problem each year, but seek help for just 50% of their problems. Of those that try to resolve their legal problems, most consult a wide variety of non-legal services, and family and friends, instead of a legal professional. No action is taken for 18% of legal problems.

“The LAW Survey offers valuable insight into the extent of legal need and the type of legal problems faced by Victorians,” said Ms Kirby. 

“It’s troubling that so many Victorians continue to ignore legal problems because they find it too stressful to seek help, are worried about the cost or are unsure of where to go for legal help,” she said.

“Better legal information and education could give many Victorians the confidence and skills they need to find, understand and use legal services.”

Ms Kirby said the findings of the survey support the foundation’s focus on improving legal literacy in the Victorian community.

“In 2013, we will distribute more than 115,000 copies of our popular Law Help Guide through health, social, welfare and financial services. The guide to Victoria’s free and low cost legal services offers Victorians a place to start looking for legal help,” she said.

“But the survey confirms that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping people understand their legal rights and take action to solve a legal problem.

“Victoria Law Foundation will continue to work with and support the legal sector and related services, like housing, employment, financial, health and social services, to ensure Victorians get the legal information they need, when, where and how they need it.

“This is particularly important for the people in our community most at risk of experiencing a legal problem, such as people with a disability, single parents, the unemployed and people living in disadvantaged housing.”

Ms Kirby acknowledged the extensive work undertaken by the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales, and the commitment of National Legal Aid, in carrying out such a comprehensive survey.