Law for Community Workers

Let’s talk about consent

In this Shortcut episode, we chat to Julianne Elliott, a Senior Solicitor from Legal Aid NSW who specialises in educating young people about the law. She provides a brief overview of NSW's new sexual consent laws, her experiences working with young people and what community workers can do to learn more about the reforms. 
Download the factsheet: https://publications.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/PublicationsResourcesService/PublicationImprints/Files/1038.pdf
Make No Doubt: DCJ's campaign for young people: https://www.makenodoubt.dcj.nsw.gov.au/
Request a talk by a Legal Aid NSW lawyer: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/workshops/request-a-talk
Support services 
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the content of this episode, you’re not alone. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call one of the following support services.
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
1800RESPECT is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Available 24/7.
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline
1800 424 017
fullstop.org.au
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline provides support for anyone in NSW impacted by sexual assault (including friends, families and supporters). Available 24/7.
Men’s Referral Service
1300 766 491
ntv.org.au
Call the Men’s Referral Service if you are worried about your own behaviour and looking for support.Lifeline
13 11 14
Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
 
 
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/r7ZX5hxd9Y5UkOO1eG-fjmxnw_wSubmit your legal question for us to answer in our next episode: https://forms.gle/mEgMNnFUPrDW7oGR7
 

Spotlight: Hume Riverina Community Legal Service

In the spotlight for Law Week is Hume Riverina Community Legal Service. We chat to Debbie about their important services and what they have planned for Law Week. Find out more about their service by visiting - https://www.hrcls.org.au/

Spotlight: Richmond Tweed Regional Library (Lismore)

In the spotlight for Law Week is Richmond Tweed Regional Library. We chat to Michael about important services in Lismore and what they have planned for Law Week. Find out more about their events by visiting - https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/events_list.asp

Spotlight: Randwick City Library

In the spotlight for Law Week is Randwick City Library We chat to Nicola about Randwick City Library's important services and what they have planned for Law Week. Find out more about Randwick City Library by visiting: https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/library
 
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/GlXKlhn68nvzjRIraxODIaAyy10

Spotlight: Marrickville Legal Centre

In the spotlight for Law Week is Marrickville Legal Centre. We chat to Tu about Marrickville Legal Centre's important services and what they have planned for Law Week, including a special Lunch & Learn series just for Community Workers. 
Lunch & Learn for Community Workers: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/607632192642bb282c2cc2fe/t/628319c61451524c086d252c/1652758982857/2MLC+Free+Law+Week+Webinars+for+Community+Workers.pdf 
Lunch & Learn for community and clients: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/607632192642bb282c2cc2fe/t/628319dbe69bb37f40c74ef6/1652759003785/1MLC+Free+Law+Week+Webinars.pdf
 
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/RZkd0uFuqbCaPQSE3dJGi6lZSao
 

Spotlight: Macarthur Legal Centre

In the spotlight for Law Week is Macarthur Legal Centre. We chat to Melissa about Mac Legal's important services and what they have planned for Law Week. Find out more about their Wills for Everyone event: https://www.lawweeknsw.org.au/event-schedule/ndis-campbelltown
Macarthur Legal Centre website: https://maclegal.net.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacarthurLegalCentre1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MacarthurLegal1?lang=en

Spotlight: Western Sydney Community Legal Centre

In the spotlight for Law Week is Western Sydney Community Legal Centre. We chat to Caitlin about WSCLC's important services and what they have planned for Law Week. Find out more about all of their events by visiting: https://www.wsclc.org.au/coming-up-nsw-law-week/
From Western Sydney Community Legal Centre:
"Law Week NSW 2022 is happening between 16-22 May. WSCLC has prepared a series of events for the community to participate and learn more about our legal systems and issues.
Starting on 16 May, WSCLC is delivering a talk about legal problem-spotting for community workers. All community and social workers are welcome to join this free online event. The talk will discuss on identifying common legal issues, recognising free legal services available in the community and learning about effective free referral to a free legal service. The event will be held from 1pm-2pm through Zoom. Register your interest here today!
With social media becoming the dominate communication platform, WSCLC recognises the rising legal issues involving the increasing use of social media in recent years. Join us on Wednesday 18 May to know more on how to use social media safely and avoid potential legal problems. You can join us either through Zoom or meet us at Headspace in Castle Hill from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Click here to register your interest!
Our Multicultural Legal Service is also holding three face to face and online talks on “Safe Relationships” on the 17, 24 and 26 May. Come meet us and know more about achieving a healthy relationship and what to do if issues arise:
Tuesday 17 May 2022 from 11:30am – 12:30pm at Auburn Library
Tuesday 24 May from 11:30am – 12:30pm at Granville Library
Thursday 26 May from 11:30am – 12:30pm at Merrylands Library
If you would like to join us on Zoom, register through following links:
Tuesday 17 May 2022 from 11:30am – 12:30pm
Tuesday 24 May from 11:30am – 12:30pm
Thursday 26 May from 11:30am – 12:30pm
Our Multicultural Legal Service will also run a free legal advice clinic at each location before every talk. Discuss your issues with one of our solicitors from 9:30am – 11:30am. Click below to register:
Auburn Library, Tuesday 17 May from 9:30am – 11:30am
Granville Library, Tuesday 24 May from 9:30am – 11:30am
Merrylands Library, Thursday 26 May from 9:30am – 11:30am
 
All events are free to join. We hope to see you there!"Transcript of this episode: https://otter.ai/u/8pVDj3Ixz440r-d7BUebsaMNhuM
 

Renting Matters: Episode 6 - Full House

This is the sixth episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Full house”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about living in share houses or boarding house, the laws that apply and where to get help if you have a problem.  Bridget speaks to Amanda, Solicitor in Redfern Legal Centre’s Tenancy and Housing Service.  Bridget also speaks to Beverly, Chair of the Older Women’s Network, about whether these living arrangements work for older women. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients in these living situations.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile called Share houses, boarders and lodgers.
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website and on Redfern Legal Centre’s website are these fact sheets and resources:
 
Share houses:
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/share-housing-survival-guide-nsw
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-15-share-housing
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-18-transfer-and-sub-letting
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://sharehousing.org/
 
Boarders and lodgers
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/guide-boarding-houses-and-law
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-14-boarders-and-lodgers
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-27-boarding-houses-act
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://rlc.org.au/publication/boarding-houses-and-law-legal-guide-for-people-nsw
 
Goods left behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-25-goods-left-behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/return-of-goods
International students
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/redfern-legal-centres-international-student-guide-share-housing
https://rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students
https://youtu.be/2699Zg-clms
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/KuFep6W6U1km3mkyKBoNk80XtOw
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Renting Matters: Extra - Residential Land Lease Communities following a disaster (March 2022)

This is an extra episode in our series called “Renting Matters” to give advice and information to people living in residential land lease communities who have experienced a disaster. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Residential Land Lease communities after a disaster”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Paul Smyth, Solicitor in Tenants’ Union of NSW residential land lease communities section.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Legal Aid NSW has a specialist Disaster Response Legal Service https://disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
You can call for help on 1800 801 529 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.  
Disaster Recovery Centres:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres
 
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au –
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
Fact sheets for people living in Residential Land Lease Communities on the Tenants’ Union website:
Look for the green tile Land Lease Communities Noticeboard.
For tenants in RLLC:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-land-lease-communities
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-rights-responsibilities
About the Local Govt Act & Regulations
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-approvals-and-maps
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-homes-structures
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-sites-distances-setbacks  
There is a Disaster Recovery Centre being established for people living in residential land lease communities on on the site of the old Cudgen Leagues Club.
 
Financial Rights Legal Centre
The Insurance Law Service provides advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress.
Insurance Law Service: https://insurancelaw.org.au/
 
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/TtPmydCk9kH3uCdfcqQpwGidekw
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Renting Matters: Extra - Tenants rights and obligations following a disaster (March 2022)

This is an extra episode in our series called “Renting Matters” to give advice and information to tenants who have experienced a disaster. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Tenants rights and obligations after a disaster”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Brendan Ross, Coordinator of the Northern Rivers Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service and to Grant Arbuthnot, Principal Solicitor of the Tenants’ Union of NSW.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Legal Aid NSW has a specialist Disaster Response Legal Service https://disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
You can call for help on 1800 801 529 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.  
Disaster Recovery Centres:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres
 
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au –
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources for tenants:
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-22-disaster-damage
https://www.tenants.org.au/news/legal-help-flood-affected-communities
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/natural-disasters
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-06-repairs-and-maintenance
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-24-mould
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-03-bond
 
Fact sheets for people living in Residential Land Lease Communities on the Tenants’ Union website:
Look for the green tile Land Lease Communities Noticeboard.
For tenants in RLLC:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-land-lease-communities
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-rights-responsibilities
About the Local Govt Act & Regulations
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-approvals-and-maps
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-homes-structures
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-sites-distances-setbacks  
There is a Disaster Recovery Centre being established for people living in residential land lease communities on on the site of the old Cudgen Leagues Club.
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Renting Matters: Mini-Episode - Don’t Make Me Leave

This is an extra mini episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Don’t make me leave”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Eloise, Advocacy Officer at the Tenants’ Union about what tenants can do if their lease is about to end and they want to stay in their tenancy. 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au.
On the Tenants’ Union website are fact sheets and resources - https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/all
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
 
Episode transcript: https://otter.ai/u/du3hSqAIgsZj4w6q2KfELc1wfwY
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

We need your help

We're currently in the process of improving our delivery of legal education to workers like yourself. We want to know what's working and what isn't, particularly in our response to COVID-19.We'd really appreciate it if you could give us your honest feedback - whether you engage with our content and services or don't. Simple visit this link and complete the questionnaire: https://bit.ly/3FMn5OCAll participants will have the opportunity to enter an expression of interest to collaborate with us this year. This may include being featured on a podcast episode, webinar, video or something else. 

Renting Matters: Episode 5 - When you own the house but not the land

This is the fifth episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “When you own the house but not the land”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about life in a Residential Land Lease Community in NSW (RLLC).  Bridget speaks to Paul, Residential Parks Legal Officer and Julie, Residential Parks Officer at the Tenants’ Union about the laws governing RLLC and the work they do helping residents living in RLLCs across NSW.  Bridget also speaks to Kim, a long term resident in a RLLC, about her life and experiences there. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients living in a RLLC.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the green tile Land Lease Communities Noticeboard.
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources:
For homeowners:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/home-owner-factsheets
For tenants in RLLC:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-land-lease-communities
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-rights-responsibilities
About the Local Govt Act & Regulations
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-approvals-and-maps
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-homes-structures
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-sites-distances-setbacks  
For editions of the Outasite Land Lease Community magazine go here:
https://www.tenants.org.au/news/outasite-land-lease-community-magazine-out-now
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Transcript: https://docdro.id/7xJhDaF
Captions: https://otter.ai/u/l04jIqtgEjBpzsySxpgqnk1yv3A 
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Renting Matters: Episode 4 - Hit the road Jack

A transcript of this podcast can be found here - https://docdro.id/R5F7tyF
This is the fourth episode in our series called Renting Matters, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Hit the road Jack”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about how a landlord can end a tenancy, including the notice a landlord must give for different types of tenancy.  Bridget speaks to Justin, Assistant Principal Solicitor at Marrickville Legal Centre and to Amanda and Alison, Solicitors working in the Housing and Tenancy service at Redfern Legal Centre about the issues tenants experience when a landlord ends their tenancy.  Justin, Alison and Amanda explain when a tenant must leave after they receive a notice of termination. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients whose landlord is ending their tenancy.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tiles on Eviction and on Share Houses, boarders and lodgers.
You can also enter your own or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources:
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-10-landlord-ends-agreement
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-28-sale-of-rented-premises
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-21-mortgagees-and-tenants
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-03-bond
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-05-rent-arrears
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-17-discrimination
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-11-nsw-civil-and-administrative-tribunal
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-19-tenant-databases
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-25-goods-left-behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/easy-way-claim-your-bond
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-11-nsw-civil-and-administrative-tribunal
and sample letters:
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/rent-arrears
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/termination-sale
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/termination-inspection
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/bond-dispute
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout 
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/rent-increase-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/transfer-consent-withheld
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/transfer-of-co-tenancy-agreement
For information about changing the locks:
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/renting/during-a-tenancy/health,-safety-and-security 
Marrickville Legal Centre: https://www.mlc.org.au/
Contact numbers for the Inner West Tenancy Service and North Sydney Tenancy Service are found here: https://www.mlc.org.au/services/tenancy/
Redfern Legal Centre: https://rlc.org.au/
For information on Redfern Legal Centre’s tenancy and housing services look here:
https://rlc.org.au/our-services/tenancy-housing
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:
https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Search.aspx?k=Tenancy%20LALanguage%3Den%2a&lang=0 
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Renting Matters: Episode 3 - Get me outta here

Click here for a transcript of this podcast.
This is the third episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Get me outta here”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about the different circumstances in which tenants leave a tenancy. Bridget speaks to Amanda , a Tenants’ Advocate with the Northern Rivers Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS) about these situations, including leaving because of domestic violence. We also hear from Jemima, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator with the TU who talks about getting your bond back. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support clients leaving because of domestic violence and for other reasons.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode, including resources about domestic and family violence.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile on You want to leave or for lots more resources, click here.
 
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources:
You want to leave
Sale of rented premises
Ending tenancy early
Domestic violence and tenancy
Transfer and sub-letting
Sale of rented premises
Mortgagees and tenants
Bond
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Tenant databases
Goods left behind
The easy way to claim your bond
Sample letters:
Rehousing support letter
Ending a fixed term tenancy
Termination for no reason
Ending tenancy early
Ending tenancy due to sale of premises
Transfer of tenancy document
Request for consent to transfer co-tenancy 
Transfer of co-tenancy - consent withheld
Request for joint final inspection 
Bond dispute
Ending tenancy due to domestic violence
 
RESOURCES RELATED TO DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence call 1800RESPECT. 1800 737 732.
This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
For information about changes to the Residential Tenancies Act about domestic violence and emergency accommodation:
Domestic Violence Amendments to Residential Tenancies Act
Emergency accommodation information 
See the Fair Trading website for declaration by a competent person about domestic violence and for information about who is a “competent person”:
Declaration by competent person
Professionals who make a declaration
For information about changing the locks for security when a co-tenant has left due to domestic violence, click here.
 
Services:
Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
Northern Rivers Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS)
Victims Services for counselling, financial assistance for immediate needs or to apply for a recognition payment
Victims Access Line: 1800 633 063         
  Aboriginal Contact Line: 1800 019 123
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order here and about tenancy here
 
For information about Men’s behaviour change program MEND - Men exploring New Directions see:
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack and Glen Morrow from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Do you work with CALD men affected by domestic violence? There’s a new service that could help

A transcript of this podcast is available here.
Western Sydney CLC flyers:
Program Flyer for Clients
Program Flyer for Service Providers
Legal Problem Spotting training for community and support workers
Useful links:
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – www.wsclc.org.au
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – Domestic Violence Response Pilot Program for CALD men
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – Health Justice Partnership report
Mens behaviour change programs NSW (use this link to find all programs operating in NSW including those in languages other than English) 
No to Violence 
Listen to our previous Law for Community Workers on the go episodes about men and ADVO’s:
Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 1 of 2)
Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 2 of 2)

Renting Matters: Episode 2 - Cracks Emerge

A transcript of this episode can be found here. 
This is the second episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Cracks Emerge”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch explores problems that arise during a tenancy, including issues about privacy; access to the property by the landlord or agent; repairs; security and utilities. We speak to Olivia, a Tenants’ Advocate with the TU, about the sorts of issues people call the TU and other tenancy services about once they are in a tenancy. We also speak to Merrilyn, who volunteers on the TU advice line and who also works supporting clients with disabilities, including supporting them to maintain their tenancies when problems arise. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients address issues that arise during a tenancy.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tiles on Repairs and utilities and Privacy, access and security .
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets:
Bond
Repairs and Maintenance
Locks and security
Access and privacy
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Smoke Alarms
Disaster Damage
Utilities
Mould
Asbestos and Lead
Access
Sample Letters
Repairs Before Tenancy
Repairs
Urgent Repairs
Reimbursement for urgent repairs
Repairs to be carried out by owners corp
Unpaid water charges
Invalid water usage - efficiancy
Rent reduction
For Pests & vermin see the Fair Trading website.
For information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme see:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
For information on Embedded Networks:
Embedded network consumer | Australian Energy Regulator (aer.gov.au)
Embedded networks on ABC's 7.30 Report | Tenants' Union
Tenants' Union embedded network blog post “Hummmmm” 
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Simple, smart separation - How amica can help

A transcript of this podcast is available here.
 
amica is a simple, affordable and quick way for couples to agree on parenting, property and money issues when they separate. Find out about this new online tool. 
 
Where to find amica
www.amica.gov.au
amica Australia on Facebook
amica Australia on YouTube
amica featured on ABC’s PM program
amica featured on JJJ Hack
amica featured on Sunrise
amica_Australia on Instagram
 
Other resources
Family Violence Law Help Website - https://familyviolencelaw.gov.au/
LawAccess NSW for free legal information and referral – https://lawaccess.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 888 529
Legal Aid NSW Family Law Early Intervention Unit (EIU) state-wide family and care law service - Phone 1800 551 589 for an appointment.
NSW online guided pathways - https://legalhelp.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/
 
Other episodes about online technology
Episode 1 – Does technology have a place in legal services? Let’s find out
Episode 2 – FineFixer NSW 
 
Edited by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
 

Renting Matters: Episode 1 - Getting a Foot in the Door

This is the first episode in a series called Renting Matters, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, Getting A Foot in the Door, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch explores applying for a new tenancy in NSW. We speak to Grant Arbuthnot, Principal Solicitor of the Tenants’ Union about things to look out for when you are starting a tenancy. We also speak to Amity, a tenant in Sydney who has been renting for many years and has some great tips about looking for a new place to rent. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients looking for a new place to live.
 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile on Starting a Tenancy.
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these useful resources and fact sheets about applying for a tenancy:
Factsheet 01: The Residential Tenancies Act
Factsheet 02: Starting a tenancy
Factsheet 03: Bond
The Rent Tracker Tool
See Legal Aid’s website for information about when clients can get help with housing matters:
Legal help for tenants appealing Tribunal orders about your housing - Legal Aid NSW
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:
https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Search.aspx?k=Tenancy%20LALanguage%3Den%2a&lang=0 
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
For a transcript of this podcast, click here. 

Nobody likes getting a fine - Fine Fixer NSW can help

This episode is part of a series that looks at online legal help tools. In this episode Josh from the Community Legal Education Branch takes you into the world of how a new online tool, Fine Fixer NSW, can help you or your clients if you get a fine. We interview Brendan Lacota (former principal solicitor at Moonee Valley Legal Service and now a consultant) who was one of the key people behind the creation of the tool, and Kirsty Harrison (Senior Solicitor) and Nicole Stack (Paralegal) from Legal Aid NSW who were both key in bringing the tool to NSW from Victoria.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in the episode:
Fine Fixer NSW
Work and Development Order Service at Legal Aid NSW – contact 1300 888 529 or wdo@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Revenue NSW – Call the WDO Hotline number on 1300 478 879 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Law Check-up – a tool to help you identify legal issues and refer your client for help
You can listen to another episode in this series (or search for it where you listen to podcasts) here:
Episode 1: Does technology have a place in legal services? Let’s find out
Episode 3: Simple, smart separation - how amica can help
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments, and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au