Advocacy Updates

Who regulates the regulators? After lodging concerns about major charities, we have now filed a formal complaint with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) itself, challenging the secrecy provisions that make its entire investigative process a black hole with no public accountability.

After the Victorian Ombudsman's office dismissed our complaints based on flawed legal reasoning and a clear failure to engage with the evidence, we have been forced to escalate the matter. This update details our formal complaint to the Integrity Oversight Victoria (IOV), the watchdog of the watchdog.

Despite clear evidence of administrative failure at the local and state level, the Victorian Ombudsman has formally rejected our complaints. This update breaks down the Ombudsman's flawed reasoning, which relies on misinterpreting the law and the nature of our complaints, highlighting a critical failure in the state's primary oversight body.

In a landmark move for public safety, the Victims of Crime Commissioner (VOCC) has confirmed in official correspondence to Secure Ground that the protections of the Victims' Charter apply to victims of dog attacks when dealing with local councils. This proactive policy change from the VOCC, following a submission from Secure Ground, means councils can now be held accountable for how they treat victims.

After a failed council investigation and a deliberate refusal by state government departments to address systemic issues, we have been left with no choice but to escalate our fight. This update details our formal complaints to the Victims of Crime Commissioner and the Victorian Ombudsman, seeking independent oversight and accountability.

Victoria's dog attack laws are a confusing and contradictory mix of the Domestic Animals Act and the Crimes Act, creating loopholes that fail victims. This guide breaks down the key legislative sections, explains why the system is broken, and shows how it protects irresponsible owners at the expense of public safety.

Why are Victoria's dog attack laws so ineffective? The answer lies with who advises the government. This update details our direct correspondence with the RSPCA and AVA, exposing their systemic conflict of interest and their refusal to engage when questioned about how their lobbying undermines public safety.

Why does Victoria's dog attack problem seem invisible? Because the government chooses not to see it. This update details our correspondence with the two key state bodies, Agriculture Victoria and Local Government Victoria, revealing their shocking and deliberate refusal to collect the basic data needed to protect the public.

After being placed in direct physical danger during a fatal dog attack, our appeal to Victoria Police for a criminal investigation was dismissed. This update details the official response, which highlights the critical legislative loopholes that prevent police from acting and effectively decriminalize such acts of reckless endangerment.

After months of inaction, the investigation into the fatal dog attack on our family has been officially closed by our local council. This update details the critical and undeniable investigative failures and unprofessional victim management that made a just outcome impossible, highlighting the systemic flaws that affect victims across Victoria.