Law for Community Workers on the go | Legal Aid NSW

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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

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

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

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)

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

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  

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

‘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.

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

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)

In this episode you will hear from Callum Hair a lawyer from the Mental Health Advocacy Service at Legal Aid NSW and Dr Jean Hollis a psychiatrist and Tribunal member at the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal. The episode explores mental illness and what process people go through at the Mental Health Review Tribunal (“MHRT”). You’ll also hear about Legal Aid NSW’s Mental Health Advocacy Service (“MHAS”) and when it is appropriate to refer clients to them. This episode is a longer one so here are some time stamps that can help you navigate the episode: From 1.16 hear Callum describe what Legal Aid NSW’s MHAS does and also what they don’t do, hear about the legal definition of a ‘mental illness’,  the process that someone goes through before they appear at a Mental Health Review Tribunal hearing, and get some insights into what a MHAS lawyer will do for their client and why the work is so important. From 17.21 hear Dr Hollis talk about how the MHRT makes decisions, Callum also talks about the different orders the MHRT can make From 21.34 hear Dr Hollis talk about some of the most common mental illnesses that the MHRT sees, discusses how mental illness and drug and alcohol interact, gives some information about the role of genetics and environment in mental illness, what we don’t know about mental illness and  the symptoms that some people experience. From 33.21 hear Dr Hollis talk about some of the treatments available for mental illnesses including electro convulsive therapy Please contact Law Access NSW on 1300 888 529 if you would like more information about the work MHAS does or would like a referral to them.     You can visit the Mental Health Review Tribunal website here: Mental Health Review Tribunal - The Tribunal (nsw.gov.au) and there is a video that helps explain what happens at a hearing here: Mental Health Review Tribunal - The Tribunal Process - Short Films (nsw.gov.au) Here is a link to Mental Health First Aid Australia’s website: Homepage | Mental Health First Aid (mhfa.com.au) Lifeline Australia offers a range of training programs based on the development of mental health awareness and skills. See more here: Workplace Training - Lifeline Australia People can also call Lifeline’s crisis support line on 13 11 14 if they or someone they’re working with needs confidential short-term support because they are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe. For general information about your legal rights you can find information here: Welcome to LawAccess NSW The Department of Communities and Justice capacity toolkit is a useful resource if you are trying to assess whether someone you’re working with has capacity. You can find that here: Capacity Toolkit (nsw.gov.au) Please note that some of the information in this episode may be different due to the impact of COVID – 19. For example, while solicitors are now able to go back to most facilities to obtain instructions, this is only a recent development. It may also be subject to change at short notice. Also, the time frame for mental health inquiries has been extended because of COVID-19.

In this episode we speak to Sally Dews, a Conciliation Officer with Anti-Discrimination NSW. Sally talks about the types of unlawful discrimination that people can complain about in NSW, the conciliation conference process used by Anti-Discrimination NSW when a complaint is received, and the types of outcomes people can achieve through these. For more information about discrimination and the law use these links: Anti-Discrimination NSW Anti-Discrimination NSW Enquiry Service Australian Human Rights Commission Australian Human Rights Commission complaints Free legal help with discrimination matters 1300 888 529 Legal Aid NSW Discrimination toolkit Anti-Discrimination law in NSW recorded webinar – April 2021 Legal Aid NSW Stop Public Threats website which includes translated factsheets in Turkish, Urdu, Hindi and Dari Stop Public Threats videos – Legal Aid NSW YouTube – July 2020

We speak to Nicola Cannon a solicitor in the government law team — specialising in social security. She will be giving us an overview of recent changes to Centrelink payments and what those changes mean for our clients. Referrals and more information LawAccess NSW 1300 888 529 Contact Legal Aid NSW  to speak to a lawyer. Please check www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au for updates about availability of legal advice. Centrelink’s dedicated COVID-19 page — this website is being regularly updated. Appealing Centrelink decisions and advice Review of Decision Form Welfare Rights Legal Centre Financial counselling Timeline of changes to JobSeeker Payments Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period Special coronavirus security arrangements to end Subscribe to our Alerts for community and health workers to stay up-to-date  Look after yourself We want this to be a safe space for listeners. If you need support, there are services that can help: Beyond Blue -1300 224 636 Lifeline -13 11 14

In this episode we talk to Katherine Boyle. Katherine is the Executive Director of the Welfare Rights Centre. The Welfare Rights Centre is a specialist legal service helping people across NSW with Centrelink problems including debts. Katherine talks about her burning issues around Centrelink debts, the help provided by the Welfare Rights Centre lawyers and different ways that community workers can support their clients when they get a Centrelink debt they don't understand. The links below are for the services and resources discussed in the episode. You can contact the Welfare Rights Centre by phone on 1800 226 028 during one of their advice intake times. This number is toll free if you are calling from outside the Sydney metro area. The advice intake times are: Monday – 9.:30am to 12.30pm Wednesday – 9.30am to 12.30pm Thursday – 1.30pm to 4.30pm If your matter is urgent, such as if you have lost your payment and have no other source of income, you can call on the office number – 02 9211 5300 - to speak to a lawyer straight away. You also have the option to make an online enquiry through the website – https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/need-help. Scroll down on the home page and click on the link to making an online enquiry. There are also factsheets on the website that you can download about a range of Centrelink legal problems. If you live in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven or South Coast you can contact the Illawarra Legal Centre Welfare Rights Service You can also contact the Legal Aid NSW Government law team to talk about Centrelink problems. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to be referred to this team. Call the National Debt Helpline if you need help with any money problems on 1800 007 007. The NDH also has a Centrelink Debts step by step guide that you can download. Economic Justice Australia is the peak body for Welfare Rights Centres across Australia. See their Economic Australia Centrelink Debts Factsheet – last updated April 2020.