Legal Support Program

On 1 July 2023, Cancer Council Victoria introduced a free legal support service in partnership with participating Victorian Law firms.

 We recognise the growing need for those affected by cancer to easily access specialised legal support. By working with local providers, we aim to make this as easy as possible for patients and their families. 

 Through this service, we can help eligible people with advanced cancer to access legal services to get support with basic Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Maker arrangements.

People can access this service if they are:

1. Considered as having  advanced cancer OR
2. Receiving community-based palliative care for cancer, AND
3. Reside in Victoria
4. Pass a Means test

 To ensure we’re able to support those most in need, as part of this eligibility criteria, individuals will need to undergo a Means test.

Our legal support service is limited to basic Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Medical Treatment Decision Maker arrangements.

Increasingly we were hearing through our 13 11 20 cancer information and support line just how significant an impact a cancer diagnosis has on all aspects of a person’s life. Not only is there a physical and emotional toll on the individual, but cancer also impacts many practical matters that affect the whole family such as their finances, ability to work, childcare arrangements, superannuation, insurance and more.

 As a result, Cancer Council Victoria has been building capacity in our Supportive Care Programs to help people manage these practical challenges.

A Victorian-based service allows us to build relationships with local service providers as well as understand and address the challenges unique to Victorians affected by cancer. This is particularly valuable given our state-based health system as well as the many laws, regulations, policies, and authorities operating within the Victorian jurisdiction.

We partner with law firms who have the capacity to provide basic Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Medical Treatment Decision Maker arrangement on a pro-bono basis.

 As we support Victorians with all types of cancer, we are continually seeking a network of professionals located across the state including metro, regional and rural areas.

Every year, more than 35,500 Victorians will be diagnosed with cancer and sadly 11,000 people will die from the disease. With 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer by age 85, most of us will be impacted by cancer.

Since our establishment in 1936, Cancer Council Victoria has developed an international reputation for our innovative work in cancer research, prevention, and support. With one of the most trusted and recognisable brands in Australia, Cancer Council is an independent, not for profit organisation, that plays a leading role in reducing the impact of all cancers on all people. Each year we provide cancer support to more than 10,000 Victorians affected by cancer, including patients, carers, and families.

With our large network of corporations, research institutions, foundations and philanthropists committed to reducing the impact of cancer, you’ll be invited to attend or participate in events that illustrate these improvements and achievements. From time to time, we also promote to our supporters through publications and newsletters, the valuable impact that our partners make to the lives of those affected by cancer.

Many organisations that we partner with also experience benefits to their staff through access to our trusted cancer information and expert speakers who help to promote ways they can reduce their cancer risk through our SunSmart, Quit and LiveLighter prevention programs, as well as information on ways to support colleagues diagnosed with cancer.

Finally, there are numerous team building and employee participation opportunities through volunteering and fundraising such as through well-known activities like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day.

We welcome the chance to meet and discuss opportunities for networking, events, education and training, and public relations to enhance our partnership. Working together, you’ll be helping to provide equitable access to legal services for all Victorians, when they need it most.   

Your firm will be able to publicise its involvement in the Legal Support Program. The details of these arrangement will be contained in the collaboration agreement between Cancer Council Victoria and your firm.

Victoria’s legal community has an impressive record of providing pro bono services to improve equitable access to justice for all people.

Pro bono is an important aspect of lawyers’ professional responsibility and many lawyers find using their expertise to improve access to justice a rewarding experience. Delivering pro bono services helps to foster a culture based on giving back, enhances a firm’s reputation, is an attractive incentive to a new generation of recruits and offers opportunities to build and diversify the skills of your work force.    

Law firms will be required to sign a collaboration agreement to partner with Cancer Council Victoria. The agreement will cover expectations for both parties such as minimum number of clients, promotion, reporting and service delivery standards. 

The referral process includes:

• All Victorians affected by cancer are able to contact our cancer information and support line on 13 11 20. Our nurses will assess their needs and where appropriate, refer them to our Legal Support Program. Health professionals will also refer clients to our Legal Support Program through our online referral pathway.
• Our team will screen people for eligibility and conduct a means test. If eligible, we will contact your law firm by phone or email to see if you are able to accept the referral based on your capacity.
• Your law firm has two business days to accept or decline the referral by reply email. If accepted, Cancer Council will send the client's contact details to your law firm.
• Your law firm will contact the client within two business days to arrange your first appointment. If you are unable to contact the client within one week, let us know and we will follow them up.
• Once the matter is concluded, your law firm reports back the outcome of the referral to Cancer Council Victoria via our online feedback form.

Understanding outcomes for clients is really important for us, and we will include a requirement for feedback on client outcomes within the collaboration agreement that we sign with each participating law firm. However, reporting will occur on a de-identified basis and will ensure privilege is maintained. Where possible, we will also provide feedback to the law firm from clients that have been matched with the firm.

This will be outlined in the terms of our agreement and is in accordance with applicable privacy laws and  our privacy policy as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, which can be found on our website.

There is no exclusivity requirement in our agreement so your firm will be able to take part in both the Cancer Council NSW Pro Bono Program and the Victorian-based service.

People living in border towns are directed to either Cancer Council NSW or Cancer Council Victoria based on the address of their primary residence.