Legal Assistance for those affected by the the bushfire crisis

09 January 2020

The Australian Bar Association on behalf of its members expresses its deep sympathies to those affected by the bushfire crisis across the country.

It acknowledges the tragic loss of life; the many properties that have been destroyed in the fires and the devastating impact on our natural environment.

We extend our gratitude to the fire fighters and volunteers for their tireless and heroic efforts to combat the fires and to provide assistance to those in need.

Our thoughts are with communities around Australia who remain under threat, as well as those beginning the long process of recovery and rebuilding homes, businesses and infrastructure. For many, that process will involve navigating complex insurance and legal issues at an already difficult and stressful time.

The Bar is seeking to continue to serve communities on these darkest of days by lending our expertise to provide prompt legal assistance to those in need.

The Australian Bar Association is encouraging all members to volunteer to provide legal assistance to bushfire victims on a pro bono or reduced fee basis.

State Bar Associations are working with others across the legal profession to register practitioners willing to provide pro bono legal support to those needing legal help following the fires.

We thank members for the generous offers of assistance already received and ask members to please look out for communications from your local Bar Association and consider how you too may be able to help at this time.

Legal Assistance help lines

NSW

Call LawAccess NSW Disaster Response Hotline 1800 801 529 or go to www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Victoria

Call Disaster Legal Help Victoria on 1800 113 432 for free legal information, advice and referrals, or visit the website at www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au.

Queensland

The Bushfires phone line is 1300 004 924 and the website is:

https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Get-legal-help/Our-services/Natural-disaster-legal-help

Western Australia

Should it become necessary for the WA Disaster Legal Response Plan to be activated, it will be through WA Legal Aid and the email is naturaldisasters@legalaid.wa.gov.au.

Australian Capital Territory

People in the ACT impacted by the bushfires, including evacuees from NSW, can contact Legal Aid ACT on 1300 654 314 or the ACT Law Society on 02 6274 0300.

South Australia

Bushfire victims in SA can contact:

the Legal Services Commission on 1300 366 424 or visit www.lsc.sa.gov.au
the Law Society on (08) 8229 0200 or email disaster.planning@lawsocietysa.asn.au

Legal practitioners who wish to volunteer their services can register with the Law Society via the link at the bottom of their 'Disaster Relief & Recovery' page: https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/Public/Community/Disaster_Relief_Recovery

Federal Court of Australia

Support is available to those who have been affected by the disaster and require assistance in relation to a current or prospective matters before the Court. The Court has appointed a Judicial Registrar to act as the Court's national bushfires relief coordinator.

Any requests for urgent assistance in particular by any necessary adjournment or variations to timetables or preparation for hearings should be made to the relevant duty judge, details of which can be found on the Court's website at: http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/contact/urgent-duty-matters

All non-urgent requests should be directed to Judicial Registrar Van Le, whose contact details are as follows:

Tel: 03 8600 3343

Email: Tuan.VanLe@fedcourt.gov.au

Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia

The Courts have established a contact point for legal representatives and parties requiring support in relation to a current or prospective matter.

All enquiries for assistance such as necessary adjournments, variation to timetables or preparation for hearings should be directed to the chambers of the presiding Judge.

Alternatively for bushfire related enquiries, contract:

Michael Raine

Legal Assistant (Paralegal)

Phone: 08 8219 1641

Email: michael.raine@familycourt.gov.au

Opening of the Legal Year donations

The ABA is also encouraging its members to make a donation to a disaster relief organisation as the 2020 legal year commences around the country.

The ABA has not selected a particular organisation, but notes that members might consider one of the following:

https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal

https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/

https://www.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal