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

Shared parenting and COVID-19 restrictions - what you can do and who can help

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

Street wise behind the wheel - keeping young drivers on the road

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

Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 2 of 2)

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

Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 1 of 2)

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: Episode 6 - Dr Kay Patterson Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner talks about elder abuse

‘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.