Access to free criminal law advice is being provided by a Western Suburbs Legal Service clinic at Laverton Community Hub.
The clinic will open every second Thursday afternoon from November 21, to accompany a fortnightly Tuesday night general advice service.
WSLS chairwoman Sandra Kerr says a need for a specialist service at Laverton has been identified.
“The need for criminal law advice could be due to a combination of factors such as the decrease in legal aid funding, socio-economic pressures and population growth,” she said.
The service is for people who live, work or study in the west, particularly in Hobsons Bay.
Principal solicitor Annette Au Yeung said WSLS provided advice on matters ranging from family law to debts or Centrelink problems.
“We will still run our legal advice night services in Newport and Laverton, but this specialist criminal advice service will allow us to assist more people and address an identified need,” she said.
The hub is at the corner of Railway Avenue and Crown Street, near Laverton railway station.
For appointments, phone 9391 2244.
