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Legal aid lawyers offer free advice to bushfire victims
Lawyers have volunteered to provide free legal advice to support the people who were most affected by the recent, destructive bushfires.
Naomi Neilson
Attorney-General Mark Speakman has praised lawyers behind Legal Aid NSW for their initiative and history of providing legal assistance to vulnerable people. He said these lawyers would form part of the wide range of assistance available.
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“The LANSW Disaster Response Service team is ready to provide legal assistance to cover a range of issues, including insurance claims, tenancy, credit and debt, financial hardship, social security entitlements and employment,” Mr Speakman said.
The fires in northern NSW this year destroyed or damaged more than 670 homes and left many hundreds of people displaced and facing the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said civil lawyers from the Disaster Response Service were specialists in insurance, debt, tenancy and social security.
“All of our solicitors providing help at these locations have undergone training about what to expect,” Mr Thomas said. “This is important work at a difficult and stressful time in people’s lives, so part of the training is about how best to respond to the trauma experienced by those affected by the bushfires.
“Having an experienced adviser to help you navigate through legal issues can significantly reduce trauma and pave the way to rebuilding lives.”
