Media release
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS, BUSHFIRE EDITORS, LEGAL REPORTERS
Please note legal help phone number 1800 113 432
BUSHFIRE LEGAL HELP HANDBOOK AVAILABLE FREE ON LINE
Victims of the Victorian bushfires and those helping them can now access free legal information on line about a wide variety of legal issues.
Bushfire Legal Help has produced a comprehensive handbook which is available from today at http://www.bushfirelegalhelp.org.au/handbook.php
Premier of Victoria John Brumby said the handbook provided practical advice about many of the issues that have arisen from the bushfires.
“This handbook will be of great assistance to people who are engaged in the difficult and ongoing work of rebuilding and re-establishing their lives," Mr Brumby said.
The handbook is an invaluable one-stop-shop- guide to the law for people affected by the February bushfires and all those who are trying to help them with their legal problems, according to Bushfire Legal Help’s Kerry O’Shea.
“People with bushfire related legal issues should start with this handbook. This will help them should they need to seek further advice from a legal practitioner to resolve their individual problems,” she said.
It contains information on insurance, property, fencing, family and relationships, employment, debt, utilities, renting, victims of crime, wills and estates, the Coroner’s process, the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, lost documents, and relief. It also provides information about where to get further legal advice and help.
The information in the handbook was provided pro bono by legal practitioners including Bushfire Legal Help partners Victoria Legal Aid, the Federation of Community Legal Centres, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Law Foundation, Public Interest Law Clearing House and the Victorian Bar.
The Handbook has been designed so that people can print off the information that is relevant to them, and it can also be updated as required.
A limited number of printed copies will be available shortly.
Since the bushfires in February this year, more than 580 legal practitioners have volunteered their time and expertise free of charge.
Legal practitioners attended relief centres to provide advice and several sessions on insurance legal issues have been run in bushfire affected areas.
The Bushfire Legal Help line has taken more than 1660 calls since February and either provided legal advice on the spot or referred calls to volunteer private legal practitioners.
The Bushfire Legal Help phone line on 1800 113 432 (Mon - Fri 8.45am - 5.15pm).
Further information contact Kerry O’Shea on koshea@liv.asn.au or 0401 107103.