Law for Community Workers
This podcast is produced by Legal Aid NSW's Community Legal Education team. We run free workshops, information sessions and webinars to educate the public and community workers about the law and how to get legal help.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
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
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Thursday Mar 31, 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
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 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
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
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
Friday Jan 21, 2022
Friday Jan 21, 2022
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.
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
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
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
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
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
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
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
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)
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
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
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
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
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
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.
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
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
Thursday Aug 19, 2021
Thursday Aug 19, 2021
This episode was recorded on 12 August 2021. The information was current at that time in accordance with the public health orders in place to manage the COVID-19 situation in NSW. At the time of publishing, it is a reasonable excuse to leave your home if you need to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children. You can keep up to date with the changing rules around reasonable excuses using these links:
Greater Sydney restrictions | NSW Government
Regional and rural restrictions | NSW Government
We speak to Joshua Mestroni, a family lawyer with the South West Sydney Legal Centre. Joshua answers questions about how to manage shared parenting arrangements during the current COVID-19 public health order restrictions, particularly in Greater Sydney. The links below are for the organisations and resources mentioned during the conversation.
Free legal help from South West Sydney Legal Centre go to our website for all contact details - www.swslc.org.au
online referral form for community workers only – https://www.swslc.org.au/online-referral/
email address – info@swslc.org.au
For free legal help and referrals to family lawyers in other parts of Sydney and across the whole of NSW, call the Legal Aid NSW Family Law Early Intervention Unit on 1800 551 589
Federal Circuit Court National COVID 19 list - The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia have each established a court list dedicated to dealing exclusively with urgent family law disputes that have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/about/covid/covid-list/national-covid-list
Legal Aid NSW COVID-19 legal factsheets for families, relationships and children - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/get-legal-help/covid-19
NSW Health COVID-19 factsheets - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/isolation-guidelines.aspx
NSW Health Aboriginal Health COVID-19 resources - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/aboriginal-resources.aspx
Look after yourself - Family Relationships Online - https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/covid-19
To keep up-to-date, subscribe to the Legal Aid NSW Law for Community Workers Alert newsletter.
Edited by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
In this episode we speak with Jane Sanders, Principal Solicitor, The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre about what young drivers need to know about traffic law and how to deal with things that can take them off the road like fines, licence suspensions and licence disqualifications. Jane also gives her top tips for going to Court and dealing with the Police if pulled over. Below are timestamps for some of the key messages and links to resources talked about in the episode.
2:30 Information about The Shopfront and who they help
10:15 Which Court is my traffic matter heard in?
12:15 Traffic fines
14:00 Licence suspensions
19:15 Licence disqualifications
24:30 Going to Court for your traffic matter
29:15 Police Powers
The Shopfront – Factsheets about Traffic law
1 – Getting a driver licence in NSW
3 – Driving without a licence
4 – Licence suspensions and appeals
7 – Serious traffic offences and courts
Free legal help - Traffic Offences
The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre - https://www.theshopfront.org/
Marrickville Legal Centre Youth Legal Service – Ask NALA – Traffic offences - https://www.mlc.org.au/services/youth/
Legal Aid NSW traffic offences guided pathway - https://traffic.guidedpathways.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
Legal Aid NSW traffic publications – use hyperlink Driving: penalties, licences and insurance - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources
LawAccess NSW – Applying to remove your driver licence disqualification step by step guide - https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/representing/driving_offences_and_crime/driving_and_crime_after_court/SBSG_rem_d_disq.aspx
A second chance for Disqualified Drivers webinar – recorded Feb 2021 - https://youtu.be/YEAGoeA6pi4
Fines and Work & Development Orders
Transport for NSW - Demerit points, penalties and offences on NSW roads - https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/roads/demerits-offences/index.html
Finefixer NSW guided pathway – https://nsw.finefixer.org.au/
Revenue NSW - Request a review of your fine - https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines-and-fees/request-a-review
Nominate another driver if you weren’t responsible for the offence - https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines-and-fees/nominate-someone-else
Legal Aid NSW Work and Development Order Service - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/civil-law/work-and-development-order-service
Police Powers and Young People
Legal Aid NSW Street Smart publication - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/get-street-smart-under-18s-know-your-legal-rights
Youth Hotline – 1800 10 18 10 - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/criminal-law/youth-hotline
To organise a Legal Aid NSW Police Powers workshop at your service use this Request a Talk form - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/workshops/request-a-talk
Traffic offender intervention programs - https://localcourt.nsw.gov.au/local-court/sentencing--orders-and-appeals/sentencing-in-criminal-cases/traffic-offender-intervention-program.html
Legal Aid NSW Legal information for young people videos (created 2021). Available in English, Arabic, Dari and Swahili with or without captions- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLApA5ctFL2pWuf1BhCRAVU0Rje7oZvOTe
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
In this episode we talk to Jaye and Kristie from the Domestic Violence Strategy team at the Department of Communities and Justice about the work that they’re doing with men who use violence. We also hear from Raissa Butkowski, a solicitor with Hume Riverina Community Legal Service.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode:
Got an AVO? How to stick to your order - Legal Aid NSW – you can order a copy of this as a brochure by going to the Legal Aid NSW publications website here: Factsheets and resources - Legal Aid NSW
You can also look at a series of animations here that has been created by the Cooperative Legal Services Delivery Program about How to Stick to Your Order - YouTube
We also wanted to link you to the Premiers Priority to Reduce DV Reoffending, the ENGAGE program and AVOW app in show notes, and give you some useful contact details:
The Men’s Telephone Counselling and Referral Service is a toll-free number available across NSW, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by trained counsellors who support male callers to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and end the violence against their family and refers callers to men’s behaviour change programs or other service providers for longer-term support. You can visit their website here.
Phone : 1300 766 491
MensLine Australia is the national telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MensLine Australia can also provide referrals to face-to-face counselling and support services.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Brother to Brother is a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men staffed by Aboriginal men. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 435 799
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft.
Please send questions, comments and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
This is the first episode of a two part series where we talk about how men who use violence can be supported and challenged to change their behaviour and when they are more likely to stick to an Apprehended Violence Order.
We see men who use violence changing their behaviour as an important part of reducing domestic violence.
In this episode we talk to Jacqui (CEO) and Mike (counsellor) from No to Violence, an organisation that seeks to end male violence.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode:
Got an AVO? How to stick to your order - Legal Aid NSW – you can order a copy of this as a brochure by going to the Legal Aid NSW publications website here: Factsheets and resources - Legal Aid NSW
You can also look at a series of animations here that has been created by the Cooperative Legal Services Delivery Program about How to Stick to Your Order - YouTube
We also wanted to link you to the Premiers Priority to Reduce DV Reoffending, the ENGAGE program and AVOW app in show notes, and give you some useful contact details:
The Men’s Telephone Counselling and Referral Service is a toll-free number available across NSW, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by trained counsellors who support male callers to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and end the violence against their family and refers callers to men’s behaviour change programs or other service providers for longer-term support. You can visit their website here.
Phone : 1300 766 491
MensLine Australia is the national telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MensLine Australia can also provide referrals to face-to-face counselling and support services.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Brother to Brother is a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men staffed by Aboriginal men. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 435 799
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft.
Please send questions, comments and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Monday Aug 02, 2021
Monday Aug 02, 2021
‘Hard conversations’ is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse.
This final episode features Dr Kay Patterson AO – the federal age discrimination commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). In this informative and engaging interview, Dr Patterson talks with Mary Lovelock, who is the solicitor in charge of the Legal Aid NSW Central Coast Elder Abuse Service. They talk about ageism, how it contributes to elder abuse, and the work of the AHRC to raise awareness about elder abuse.
In this series, you hear from lots of different people about their understanding of elder abuse, the ways they think about it in their communities and how we can start to address it together.
There is no one right answer, but there are lots of things we can do to help people who may be experiencing or are at risk of elder abuse. Dr Patterson says that it takes a whole community to keep their eyes open to prevent elder abuse - starting with an awareness of the signs of elder abuse, and to know where people can get help.
This series has been made in partnership with the Legal Aid NSW Central Coast Elder Abuse Service, and the Central Coast Community Legal Centre.
Previous episodes of hard conversations:
Ep1: Talking about elder abuse
Ep2: Working with first nations communities
Ep3: Working with CALD communities
Ep4: Engaging with diverse communities
Ep5: Rural and regional communities
Referrals and more information
These links are mentioned by Dr Patterson in this podcast. For other links and services see the podcast notes for the previous episodes of ‘Hard Conversations’ in the list above.
National Elder Abuse phone line – 1800ELDERHelp or 1800 353 374
Legal Aid NSW 1300 888 529
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline (NSW) - 1800 628 221
Australian Human Rights Commission - Age Discrimination
Australian Human Rights Commission elder abuse projects
AHRC Elder abuse awareness campaign including video ‘Elder abuse - know the signs’
AHRC Bookmark - elder abuse signs
You decide Who decides – or download from publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/your-rights/enduring-power-of-attorney/planning-ahead
Compass- Guiding action on elder abuse -resources and support
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) – 1800 700 600
E safety Commissioner
Relationships Australia- Elder abuse support and mediation service 1300 364 277
Elder Abuse Action Australia
NSW Ageing and Disability Commission- tools and resources
Australian Law Reform Commission: Elder Abuse — A National Legal Response and Recommendations | ALRC
Council of Attorney General: National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians
Federal Attorney General-Protecting the Rights of Older Australians
National Australian Research Institute elder abuse resources and research
Video - Margarita - OPAL Institute
Australian Institute of Family Studies Elder Abuse reports
gov.au/projects/national-elder-abuse-prevalence-study
gov.au/publications/elder-abuse-national-research
Lifeline 131114 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Music by Gambirra.
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft.
Please send questions, comments and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
In this episode we talk to Sifa Mtango, Senior Solicitor from the Your Story Disability Legal Support Service about how they are helping people with disability, their families, carers and support workers to tell their stories to the Disability Royal Commission.
The exciting news is that the Disability Royal Commission has been extended until September 2023, so there is time to get in touch with Your Story and find out the best way to make your submission
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode:
Your Story Disability Legal Support Service - https://yourstorydisabilitylegal.org.au/Home
Phone 1800 77 1800 or use the National Relay Service to make a call-https://nrschat.nrscall.gov.au/nrs/internetrelay
Email: yourstorydisability@legalaid.qld.gov.au
Recorded webinars and videos to explain more about Your Story Disability Legal Support available in this Legal Aid NSW YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLApA5ctFL2pXf6BbSQVTM3pP7lg4cdW6l
First Peoples Disability Network Australia - https://fpdn.org.au/disability-royal-commission/
Disability Royal Commission ‘Respectful Listening’ animation for First Nations People - https://youtu.be/_D_4-CBsLig
Disability Royal Commission - https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/
Free call: 1800 517 199
Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
Find out about the new law to protect confidential information of Royal Commission participants:
https://yourstorydisabilitylegal.org.au/Listings/Events-and-News/Latest-news/Media-Release-privacy-protections-for-Royal-Commission
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
In this episode we speak to Marrickville Legal Centre in Sydney about their new chatbot called NALA and Legal Aid NSW about their new traffic offences guided pathway. Both are integrating these new online tools into their client intake processes. We hear why they developed their tools, which clients will benefit and how.
Timestamps:
Interview with Marrickville Legal Centre starts at 1:57 mins
Interview with Legal Aid NSW starts at 19:44 mins
Use links below to find out more about information discussed in this episode.
Marrickville Legal Centre – click on the chat box on their home page – www.mlc.org.au
Legal Aid NSW Traffic Offences guided pathway - https://traffic.guidedpathways.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
Legal Aid NSW FineFixer NSW guided pathway – https://nsw.finefixer.org.au/
Financial Rights Legal Centre Motor Vehicle Accidents Problem Solver guided pathway - https://mva.financialrights.org.au/
LawAccess NSW – Do you have a legal problem in NSW web page? With all 9 NSW guided pathways - https://legalhelp.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/
To speak to a human for free legal information and referrals contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm or use their live chat function on their web home page - https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/
You can listen to the other episodes in this technology series:
Episode 2 – FineFixer NSW
Episode 3: Simple, smart separation - How amica can help (podbean.com)