Legal Aid Nsw. Law For Community Workers On The Go

Originally recorded for NSW Law Week, the Tenants' Union of NSW breaks down the latest changes to rental laws in New South Wales.  Community Education Coordinator, Charlie Wilde chats to Principal Solicitor, Grant Arbuthnot about key reforms including changes to evictions, rent increases, pets, water efficiency requirements and more.  Find out more about the Tenants' Union of NSW and the new laws at tenants.org.au    Resources mentioned in this episode: Tenancy law changes - Tenants' Union of NSW webpage and factsheet Changes to rental laws - NSW Fair Trading NCAT tribunal factsheets Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) website Austlii   Watch the webinar of this episode. Download the transcript.  Want to provide feedback or collaborate on a podcast? Email us at cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a pa

In this episode, we introduce Do Your Own Divorce - a free, step-by-step online resource to help people in Australia apply for divorce through the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Designed to simplify the process, this tool is a valuable asset for community workers supporting clients through a divorce. We break down how it works, who it’s best for and how you can use it to provide clear, practical guidance—without the need for a lawyer. Useful resources mentioned in this podcast: Do Your Own Divorce: legalaid.nsw.gov.au/divorceguide   Community worker toolkit for using Do Your Own Divorce: bit.ly/dyodtips Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website: fcfcoa.gov.au Divorce court filing fee information: fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/divorce/apply  Information about separation including arrangements for children: bit.ly/4owb5bL Amica (parenting and property arrangements): amica.gov.au Order free Do Your Own Divorce posters and postcards by emailing cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au   Episode transcript: bit.ly/418RB2K S

This is the fifth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  In this episode, Bridget speaks to Alison Waters, the Policy, Advocacy and Research Lead at Lucy's Project.  Lucy’s Project is a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence through collaboration, advocacy, research and education. Lucy's Project website - lucysproject.com Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below. 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au 1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence. 1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted. 1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline

This is the fourth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  In this episode, Bridget takes a deep dive into coercive control with criminal lawyers - Helen Shaw and Hayley Dean. Timestamps: 2:41 - Background to coercive control 8:17 - What the law says 14:19 - Defences and limitations to the offence 20:26 - Changes to bail, AVOs and other legislation 32:21 - Case study of victim misidentification 40:58 - Tips for gathering evidence 44: 19 - Victim misplaced loyalty 47:37 - Additional support community workers can provide   Helpful apps mentioned in this podcast: Empower you  Arc  Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below. 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au 1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence. 1800 424 017 for any

This is the third episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.      We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.   In this episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education branch speaks to Tanya Whitehouse, coordinator of Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS). They discuss the role of WDVCAS in supporting women affected by domestic violence.    Link to the DVSAT tool via Communities and Justice: Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool | Family & Community Services   Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below. 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au 1800

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features civil lawyer, Kyla, speaking about changes to the NDIS.  Listen to our other episodes in this series: Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024? Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024?   Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW discuss key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features criminal lawyers, Hayley and Helen, discussing major changes around domestic violence including coercive control, domestic abuse and bail. Listen to our other episodes in this series: Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024 Civil law wrapped - what's new in 2024 See Legal Aid NSW's other resources about coercive control:  Criminal Law Division Podcast - Coercive control (Episode 1) Webinar for community workers   Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features family lawyer, Cailey, speaking about parenting arrangements, property settlement and changing a child's name.   Listen to our other episodes in this series: Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024?   Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

Show notes for Episode 2 ‘Til the violence ends – Domestic violence and tenancy This is the second episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.    We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present. In this second episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Lehana De Silva, solicitor Aboriginal Support at the Tenants’ Union of NSW about what you can do if you are experiencing domestic and family or sexual violence and you want to leave a tenancy. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Tenants’ Union of NSW website: www.tenants.org.au https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/domestic-violence Fact sheet about leaving a tenancy when

This is the first episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.     We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.  In this first episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Bev Lazarou, who works in Legal Aid NSW’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program.   Bev was recently named NSW Public Servant of the Year at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards for the work she does and has done for many years.   There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence.  Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.  1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexua

In this special episode, Sasha and Lynn from Legal Aid NSW's Elder Abuse Service, chat to Peg, an elder abuse survivor, about her experience getting legal help.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Service on (02) 4324 5611 or via Legal Aid NSW's team at LawAccess NSW. Call 1300 888 529 or chat online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au  The content in this episode may be distressing for some listeners. If you need support, help is available. Lifeline - 13 11 14 1800 RESPECT 1300 737 732 Download the transcript.

This week marks Scams Awareness Week. The theme is 'Share a story, stop a scam', to encourage Australians to speak up and report scams.  Learn more about Scams Awareness Week: www.scamwatch.gov.au Read Legal Aid NSW's information about cyber safety Watch Legal Aid NSW's webinar about scams Report a scam via Scamwatch Contact IDCARE to create a free plan if you've been scammed: 1800 595 160 www.idcare.org Speak to a financial counsellor: 1800 007 007 or chat online 24/7 crisis support: Beyond Blue or Lifeline  Subscribe to our Law for Community Workers Alert The stories shared in this episode are provided by IDcare: www.idcare.org Listen to Dr. Kate Gould and more stories by the ACCC on YouTube        

This episode was originally recorded for our Law Matters podcast for people in prison.  If you work with people in prison or other people who are on a visa, this episode may be relevant to you. We've included tips for community and support workers.  Legal Aid NSW has an Immigration Service which is a specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. They can provide free legal advice, assistance and representation about refugee law and other immigration matters. If you have an immigration or citizenship question, start with our team at LawAccess NSW. They can give you legal information and connect you with services that can help you, including the Legal Aid NSW Immigration Service. Click on the ‘Chat with us’ button at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.

In this short episode, we give a rundown of the new coercive control criminal offence and why it's important for all community workers to understand this new law. Subscribe to our Law for Community Workers Alert and follow this podcast to be the first to know about upcoming training and information on coercive control.  How can I find out more about coercive control? Visit the NSW Government website: www.nsw.gov.au/coercivecontrol  Watch this webinar for domestic and family violence specialist workers: Webinar - Coercive control: what do domestic and family violence specialist workers need to know? Complete Legal Aid NSW's eLearning course on the fundamentals of coercive control and the new legislation. It has been developed for lawyers and domestic and family violence specialist workers. You may find some parts of the course more relevant to your work than others, and you can complete whichever parts of the course you choose. To access and register for the course through our Learning Management System (LMS)

What is sexual harassment at work? What is discrimination? How can community workers help clients who have experienced sexual harassment and/or discrimination at work?   In this episode, Yasmine from the Community Legal Education team joins Katja from the Respect at Work Legal Service for a run down of this legal issue and tips for community workers.    Find out more about Respect at Work Legal Service: https://bit.ly/4bo8ybz  Contact our team at LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 or via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/contact-us Transcript: https://adobe.ly/3znEAXT

June 15 marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In this short episode, we highlight what elder abuse is and give a preview of a special episode on the topic that we have coming up.  For more information about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, visit the website - www.elderabuseawarenessday.org.au Find out about the Elder Abuse Service: Elder Abuse Service (nsw.gov.au) Contact Legal Aid NSW: 1300 888 529 or via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au  Sign up to our Law for Community Workers Alert: Legal Aid NSW - Subscribe Listen to our podcast series about Elder Abuse, Hard Conversations: https://lawforcommunityworkers.podbean.com/category/hard-conversations-series 

This is Part 7 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness and to people with lived experience of homelessness. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present. In this 7th episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Denise and Lowanna who work in Legal Aid NSW’s Aboriginal Women Leaving Custody project.  Denise and Lowanna work with women in correctional centres who are at risk of homelessness when they are in custody or preparing to leave custody.  There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about

This is Part 6 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness and to people with lived experience of homelessness. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present. In this 6th episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Olivia who works in Legal Aid NSW’s homeless outreach service.  Olivia works with many clients who are at risk of homelessness when they are going into custody or when leaving custody. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode. Department of Communities and Justice

In this episode, Legal Aid NSW family lawyers Sarah and Claudia will explain what’s new in Care and Protection in NSW including: Reforms that started on 15 November 2023 around ‘active efforts’ that need to be made by DCJ Changes that started in November 2022 around presumptions to remove children Changes to early intervention and early referral to legal advice through the Legal Assistance for Families Partnership Agreement (LAFPA) The Families is Culture report that led to the reforms. Here are the links mentioned in the podcast: Care and protection (nsw.gov.au) LAFPA (nsw.gov.au) Publications and resources (nsw.gov.au)   For legal help, please contact: Legal Aid NSW | Home Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (alsnswact.org.au) Transcript: Download transcript

This is Part 5 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness and to people with lived experience of homelessness. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and pay our respects to Elders past and present. In this 5th episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Rachel, a person with lived experience of homelessness.  We wish to acknowledge and thank Rachel, David and Rebecca who all shared their experiences of homelessness with us.  We also thank the Homeless Persons Legal Service, part of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre for putting us in touch with the StreetCare team. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who