Inner Melbourne Community Legal
@innermelbcl.bsky.social
IMCL promotes access to justice for people experiencing disadvantage through free legal assistance, education, advocacy, law reform and the Police Accountability Project. www.imcl.org.au
A Parliamentary report raises further questions about whether the government has properly considered whether there are alternatives to the demolition of the 44 towers, the disregard of residents’ human rights and the future of public and affordable housing in Victoria. imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
Government should heed inquiry recommendations and pause public housing redevelopment
A Parliamentary report raises further questions about whether the government has properly considered whether there are alternatives to the demolition of the 44 public housing towers.
imcl.org.au
December 2, 2025 at 5:42 AM
A Parliamentary report raises further questions about whether the government has properly considered whether there are alternatives to the demolition of the 44 towers, the disregard of residents’ human rights and the future of public and affordable housing in Victoria. imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
Claims by Victoria Police that they will not tolerate racial profiling have been debunked by new research showing that 12 years after police committed to eliminate the practice, young men of colour are still routinely being disproportionately stopped, searched and questioned.
December 1, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Claims by Victoria Police that they will not tolerate racial profiling have been debunked by new research showing that 12 years after police committed to eliminate the practice, young men of colour are still routinely being disproportionately stopped, searched and questioned.
IMCL's Managing Lawyer for Housing and Tenancy, Louisa Bassini, took part in a discussion hosted earlier this month by the Law Institute of Victoria on how to secure better housing outcomes for Victorian tenants. www.liv.asn.au/web/law_inst...
Human rights must underpin housing justice | Law Institute Journal
The state government’s plan to demolish 44 public housing towers in Melbourne is testing the ability of the Victorian Charter for Human Rights and Responsibilities to protect the right to housing.
www.liv.asn.au
November 27, 2025 at 4:27 AM
IMCL's Managing Lawyer for Housing and Tenancy, Louisa Bassini, took part in a discussion hosted earlier this month by the Law Institute of Victoria on how to secure better housing outcomes for Victorian tenants. www.liv.asn.au/web/law_inst...
The declaration of Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds as a designated area until the end of May is a vast over-reach by Victoria Police that will infringe on civil liberties and freedoms of people visiting the city. Read our media release: imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
November 25, 2025 at 7:03 AM
The declaration of Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds as a designated area until the end of May is a vast over-reach by Victoria Police that will infringe on civil liberties and freedoms of people visiting the city. Read our media release: imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
If you are Aboriginal, Pasifika, African or of Middle Eastern appearance or origin, you are at least five times more likely to be stopped and searched by police and twice as likely to be subjected to the use of force than if you are white. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
‘These rates are astonishing’: Victoria Police’s profiling problem laid bare in new report
Victoria Police says its officers are trained to respond to a person’s behaviour, not their background. The numbers tell a different story.
www.theage.com.au
November 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
If you are Aboriginal, Pasifika, African or of Middle Eastern appearance or origin, you are at least five times more likely to be stopped and searched by police and twice as likely to be subjected to the use of force than if you are white. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Young offenders need support to get their lives on track, not years in jail with adult criminals.
November 13, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Young offenders need support to get their lives on track, not years in jail with adult criminals.
The proposed mask ban is an extraordinary over-reach by the government and Victoria Police that conflates criminal violence with legitimate democratic protest.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Premier’s promised mask laws to fall short amid prospect of legal challenges
Weaker than promised new laws around face coverings at protests could be introduced to parliament this week.
www.theage.com.au
November 11, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The proposed mask ban is an extraordinary over-reach by the government and Victoria Police that conflates criminal violence with legitimate democratic protest.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
The proposed mask ban is an extraordinary over-reach by the government and Victoria Police that conflates criminal violence with legitimate democratic protest.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Premier’s promised mask laws to fall short amid prospect of legal challenges
Weaker than promised new laws around face coverings at protests could be introduced to parliament this week.
www.theage.com.au
November 11, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The proposed mask ban is an extraordinary over-reach by the government and Victoria Police that conflates criminal violence with legitimate democratic protest.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
While most other states have abolished the offence, “begging and gathering alms” is still a criminal offence in Victoria. In fact, we are making things worse by criminalising poverty with the City of Melbourne recently voting to boost security guards in the CBD.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
‘We owe it to people like Jessica’: Victoria considers decriminalising begging after brutal killing
Begging is still a crime in Victoria that can land people in prison for up to a year. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny has asked for advice on whether to decriminalise the offence.
www.theage.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM
While most other states have abolished the offence, “begging and gathering alms” is still a criminal offence in Victoria. In fact, we are making things worse by criminalising poverty with the City of Melbourne recently voting to boost security guards in the CBD.
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Inner Melbourne Community Legal welcomes the passage of legislation to create a statewide treaty with First Peoples. This is a monumental day for Aboriginal Victorians and a big step towards reconciliation over the wrongs inflicted by colonisation.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Australian-first treaty legislation passes in Victorian parliament
Historic legislation has passed that will see the creation of an Indigenous council that will be consulted on laws and policies affecting Indigenous communities.
www.abc.net.au
October 31, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Inner Melbourne Community Legal welcomes the passage of legislation to create a statewide treaty with First Peoples. This is a monumental day for Aboriginal Victorians and a big step towards reconciliation over the wrongs inflicted by colonisation.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Here is an important community update on the public housing towers demolition class action.
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Here is an important community update on the public housing towers demolition class action.
Tonight City of Melbourne councillors have a decision to make.
They are going to vote on whether to spend $2 million on security guards and a further $2.1 on surveillance.
They are going to vote on whether to spend $2 million on security guards and a further $2.1 on surveillance.
October 28, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Tonight City of Melbourne councillors have a decision to make.
They are going to vote on whether to spend $2 million on security guards and a further $2.1 on surveillance.
They are going to vote on whether to spend $2 million on security guards and a further $2.1 on surveillance.
Our team has spent all day in the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the decision earlier this year which allowed the demolition of the public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington to go ahead. Managing Lawyer Louisa Bassini explains more.
October 27, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Our team has spent all day in the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the decision earlier this year which allowed the demolition of the public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington to go ahead. Managing Lawyer Louisa Bassini explains more.
The Supreme Court will today begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington. imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
Appeal over public housing class action gets underway
The Supreme Court will today begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
imcl.org.au
October 27, 2025 at 12:19 AM
The Supreme Court will today begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington. imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
The Supreme Court will today begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
IMCL has lodged the appeal on behalf of public housing residents who allege the government has breached their human rights.
IMCL has lodged the appeal on behalf of public housing residents who allege the government has breached their human rights.
October 26, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The Supreme Court will today begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
IMCL has lodged the appeal on behalf of public housing residents who allege the government has breached their human rights.
IMCL has lodged the appeal on behalf of public housing residents who allege the government has breached their human rights.
Tomorrow the Supreme Court will begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
Come down and support residents before they go into court at 9.45am tomorrow at 459 Lonsdale Street in the city.
Come down and support residents before they go into court at 9.45am tomorrow at 459 Lonsdale Street in the city.
October 25, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Tomorrow the Supreme Court will begin hearing an appeal against a decision earlier this year to allow the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
Come down and support residents before they go into court at 9.45am tomorrow at 459 Lonsdale Street in the city.
Come down and support residents before they go into court at 9.45am tomorrow at 459 Lonsdale Street in the city.
IMCL supports social, community and disability sector workers rallying today across the country to protect equal pay.
Our sector deserves a classification structure that recognises the skills of our workforce and the essential and complex work they do for the community.
Our sector deserves a classification structure that recognises the skills of our workforce and the essential and complex work they do for the community.
October 22, 2025 at 11:36 PM
IMCL supports social, community and disability sector workers rallying today across the country to protect equal pay.
Our sector deserves a classification structure that recognises the skills of our workforce and the essential and complex work they do for the community.
Our sector deserves a classification structure that recognises the skills of our workforce and the essential and complex work they do for the community.
Tomorrow night, Melbourne City Council will decide whether to spend more than $4 million on extra security guards and CCTV cameras in the CBD.
The council should redirect this money to help people struggling with rising costs of living and housing affordability.
imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
The council should redirect this money to help people struggling with rising costs of living and housing affordability.
imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
October 20, 2025 at 3:40 AM
Tomorrow night, Melbourne City Council will decide whether to spend more than $4 million on extra security guards and CCTV cameras in the CBD.
The council should redirect this money to help people struggling with rising costs of living and housing affordability.
imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
The council should redirect this money to help people struggling with rising costs of living and housing affordability.
imcl.org.au/news/media-r...
IMCL managing lawyer Shifrah Blustein is quoted on page 1 of The Age today on new moves by the state government to recoup payments for fines which will unfairly hit people who are already struggling financially.
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
‘Tone-deaf cash grab’: State government to dramatically increase fine fees
The move has sparked concerns that vulnerable people already overwhelmed with ballooning toll and other fees, will be pushed further into debt.
www.theage.com.au
October 17, 2025 at 12:07 AM
IMCL managing lawyer Shifrah Blustein is quoted on page 1 of The Age today on new moves by the state government to recoup payments for fines which will unfairly hit people who are already struggling financially.
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Our staff help people every day who also rely on the services from cohealth. We urge the state and federal governments to step in with funding so that cohealth can continue to provide free services to people who cannot afford or are unable to access medical help. www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Vulnerable to be cut off from free medical checks as Melbourne clinics axe services
One of Australia’s largest community health organisations say funding shortfalls are forcing it to cut GP services and sell its Collingwood clinic.
www.theage.com.au
October 16, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Our staff help people every day who also rely on the services from cohealth. We urge the state and federal governments to step in with funding so that cohealth can continue to provide free services to people who cannot afford or are unable to access medical help. www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
On World Mental Health Day, we want to highlight a project by IMCL improving access to holistic legal support for people with mental health issues. Read more: imcl.org.au/news/blog/cl...
October 10, 2025 at 2:07 AM
On World Mental Health Day, we want to highlight a project by IMCL improving access to holistic legal support for people with mental health issues. Read more: imcl.org.au/news/blog/cl...
Housing and social justice advocates are joining up to secure the protection and growth of public housing in Victoria.
Come along to this public meeting on 23 October to hear more, and then join the campaign for more - not less - state-owned public housing.
RSVP here: bit.ly/46C2NrX
Come along to this public meeting on 23 October to hear more, and then join the campaign for more - not less - state-owned public housing.
RSVP here: bit.ly/46C2NrX
October 2, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Housing and social justice advocates are joining up to secure the protection and growth of public housing in Victoria.
Come along to this public meeting on 23 October to hear more, and then join the campaign for more - not less - state-owned public housing.
RSVP here: bit.ly/46C2NrX
Come along to this public meeting on 23 October to hear more, and then join the campaign for more - not less - state-owned public housing.
RSVP here: bit.ly/46C2NrX
Powerful stories from Flemington public housing residents Nafisa and Khadija in today's @australia.theguardian.com about the turmoil relocation is causing in their lives. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
As Melbourne’s public housing towers await demolition, some residents prepare to leave while others hold out
Tenants fear being given inadequate alternatives as move date looms ahead of mass redevelopment
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Powerful stories from Flemington public housing residents Nafisa and Khadija in today's @australia.theguardian.com about the turmoil relocation is causing in their lives. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The City of Melbourne's $2 million security guard program will criminalise poverty and do nothing to improve social inclusion in the CBD. If you haven't done so already, please sign the petition linked to in this article demanding the council abandon the scheme. www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
‘Being homeless is not a crime’: CBD security guard program under scrutiny
Some rough sleepers and social workers have accused the City of Melbourne’s security guard patrols of unfairly targeting homeless people. But others have defended the council’s initiative.
www.theage.com.au
September 23, 2025 at 12:49 AM
The City of Melbourne's $2 million security guard program will criminalise poverty and do nothing to improve social inclusion in the CBD. If you haven't done so already, please sign the petition linked to in this article demanding the council abandon the scheme. www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Next month, the appeal against the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington will be back in court.
IMCL is seeking leave to appeal on behalf of residents were were participants in a class action against the State Government and Homes Victoria.
IMCL is seeking leave to appeal on behalf of residents were were participants in a class action against the State Government and Homes Victoria.
September 15, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Next month, the appeal against the demolition of public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington will be back in court.
IMCL is seeking leave to appeal on behalf of residents were were participants in a class action against the State Government and Homes Victoria.
IMCL is seeking leave to appeal on behalf of residents were were participants in a class action against the State Government and Homes Victoria.