The bus will travel to areas such as Emerald, Greater Shepparton, Bendigo, and Ballarat
Monash University has unveiled the Justice Bus, a mobile legal clinic designed to provide free legal education and support to communities in regional and remote areas of Victoria.
The initiative aims to address barriers to accessing legal services in rural locations while giving law students practical experience under the supervision of qualified legal professionals.
The Justice Bus will travel to areas such as Emerald, Greater Shepparton, Bendigo, and Ballarat, where it will engage with local communities and schools. Collaborations with secondary schools, including Emerald Secondary College, Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Bendigo Senior Secondary School, and Loreto College Ballarat, will allow the program to deliver legal education sessions on basic legal concepts and rights.
Jamil Tye, executive director of External Community Engagement and Impact at Monash University, highlighted the program's dual focus on community service and student development.
“The Justice Bus will make a significant difference to the secondary school students who engage with the program. This project also gives our students invaluable experience in community law practice, fostering a deeper understanding of regional Victoria and the legal topics of greater interest or relevance to secondary school aged students in these areas,” Tye said.
Participating law students echoed Tye’s sentiments. Dipannita Dey, a Monash Law student, described the program as a rewarding way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
“The Justice Bus is a fantastic opportunity for us as students to step outside the classroom and apply what we've learned in a real-world setting. It's incredibly rewarding to know that we can make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing much-needed legal assistance," Dey said.
Fellow student Somaya Hydari emphasized the program’s role in addressing a critical need in underserved areas. “Access to legal services is a fundamental right, and I’m excited to be part of a project that helps bridge that gap. The Justice Bus will not only provide legal support but also help educate people about their rights, empowering them to navigate the legal system with greater confidence,” Hydari said.
The Justice Bus offers a range of services, including assistance with family law, tenancy disputes, and debt recovery, while providing resources and education to help individuals navigate the legal system. Monash Law collaborates with local community organisations and legal aid providers to tailor the program to each community’s specific needs.
