ARC Justice has strengthened its role as a trusted, evidence-based voice on the social issues most affecting people in regional Victoria – housing insecurity, family violence and climate change.
We identify our law reform priorities by combining three key sources: what we see through frontline client work, the legal expertise of our staff and collaboration with sector partners. This ensures our advocacy reflects real community experiences rather than abstract policy.
Client stories about unsafe housing, family violence and barriers in the justice system are carefully de-identified and used in submissions, case studies and briefings to parliamentarians. These stories are supported by data and service insights, shaping clear and practical recommendations for reform.
We use a mix of strategies depending on the issue, including:
Tracking these activities gives us a strong baseline to measure our impact and plan future advocacy. Each activity contributes to our goal of influencing fairer, more effective laws and systems.
Our reputation as a credible, regional voice continues to grow. Policymakers, media and partner organisations now seek our insights, request case studies and data and invite us to join key reform discussions.
Our team is increasingly called on to provide regional perspectives in campaigns and consultations across Victoria. This growing recognition reflects our consistent, informed and practical approach to advocacy.
By grounding our work in lived experience and evidence, ARC Justice ensures the realities of regional Victorians are understood by those shaping law and policy – and that justice outcomes are fairer for the communities we serve.
ARC Justice puts client and community voice at the centre of our advocacy and communications because we know sharing people’s lived experiences helps decision-makers understand that systemic issues are not abstract problems but real pressures on regional Victorians.
Our communications approach supports this. Using the Focus + Action = Outcome method from our 2025–2029 Communications Strategy, each story starts with a clear purpose, is developed through deliberate, ethical engagement and is then shared in the right places to create change.
First, we identify clients who are willing and able to share their experiences and who want their stories to improve the system for others. Our lawyers and advocates collaborate with the communications team to determine what each story needs to highlight, such as housing insecurity, family violence, or gaps in the justice system.
Next, clients are contacted personally and offered a safe, supported space to speak in their own words and at their own pace. Most conversations take place in person to build trust.
Transparency is central: clients choose what they share, how it’s framed and where it will appear. We now embed participant feedback into our procedures to ensure this process remains ethical, safe and validating.
Their stories are then shaped into clear, accessible narratives for different audiences. Some appear in impact reports, others in meetings with ministers, MPs and senior officials. Short extracts are shared on digital platforms. Inquiries and submissions include de-identified case examples that illustrate the lived reality behind our recommendations.
This approach amplifies regional voices in places where they are rarely heard. Client perspectives informed our first Impact Report in 2024 and strengthened discussions with state and federal decision-makers on housing, renters’ rights, climate recovery and access to justice. Stories shared online reached broader community and sector audiences, building understanding and empathy.
By grounding our advocacy in lived experience and using a planned communications approach, ARC Justice strengthens trust with clients and increases the impact of our policy messages. Amplifying real voices ensures the experiences of regional Victorians shape the laws and systems that affect their lives.