The organisation’s Disaster Response Legal Service is open to assist with disaster grants access
Legal Aid NSW has announced that it is offering free legal assistance to victims of the bushfires in Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and Central West NSW.
The organisation said its Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) was open to help with legal concerns involving insurance claims, policy entitlements, tenancy rights, disaster grants and payments access, financial hardship, family violence and employment.
“We often assist people who need immediate help accessing support such as temporary accommodation provided through their insurer, or help negotiating urgent repairs to their damaged rental property or challenging an eviction. We also help with advice about eligibility for disaster grants or payments, and we support people negotiating with employers if their work is affected”, said Ma’ata Solofoni, senior disaster and insurance solicitor.
She added that the DRLS could help with claims for damages to homes by negotiating with insurers. Senior disaster solicitors would also be able to offer advice on what damages were likely to be covered.
Legal Aid NSW’s executive director of civil law, Meredith Osborne, added that seeking immediate legal assistance could prevent homelessness, financial hardship and unemployment.
“We know that access to timely legal advice before, during and after a disaster can prevent legal problems from escalating. If left unresolved, these problems can cause acute hardship, prolong recovery, and exacerbate trauma and disadvantage. That is why it is crucial that legal help is part of the frontline response to disasters”, Osborne said.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has set up a community recovery hub where parties can be assisted by senior disaster solicitors from 1pm to 5pm on 12 December at the Peninsula Community Centre in Woy Woy. Victims may also reach out to the DRLS Helpline by phone or check the DRLS website.
