Funding injection for online law handbook

Victoria’s Law Handbook Online will continue to provide free legal information to the Victorian community following a Victorian Coalition Government funding injection of $110,000, Attorney-General Robert Clark announced today.

Mr Clark said the funding would be directed towards the development and updating of legal information to be included in the Law Handbook Online.

“This initiative means the Law Handbook Online will continue to provide Victorians with trusted free legal information,” Mr Clark said.

“The Law Handbook Online gives legal information in plain English, particularly to help Victorians with no legal background who are faced with a legal issue.

“This online resource is a great way for people to obtain the information they need to help solve legal problems, while also reducing the burden on legal assistance services,” Mr Clark said.

The Law Handbook Online is produced by the Fitzroy Legal Service.

In 2008 an online version of the Fitzroy Legal Service’s longstanding and highly regarded handbook was developed, with funding provided by the Legal Services Board. This has greatly increased the handbook’s accessibility and readership.

“This funding injection provided by the Victorian Government will help the Law Handbook Online to continue until 30 June 2012, so that other revenue and service delivery options can be explored,” Mr Clark said.

The Online Handbook currently records 10,000 visits every week from Victorian individuals and families seeking free legal information.

The Law Handbook Online can be accessed at www.lawhandbook.org.au