NSW Bar Association president Ian Harrison SC called on barristers to respond generously to what he referred to as “an unprecedented disaster and the world’s greatest humanitarian challenge”.

“The barristers of this state have a proud tradition of doing work that is pro bono: for the benefit of the public. The time has come for us to extend that concept by working for the benefit of the countless thousands around our region who are suffering unimaginable hardship,” Harrison said. He called on other bodies representing the legal profession, as well as doctors, accountants and engineers, to make similar appeals to their members.