Media release

Thursday, 19 February 2009

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS, BUSHFIRE EDITORS, LEGAL REPORTERS

Please note legal help phone number 1800 113 432

INSURANCE QUERIES DOMINATE REQUESTS FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Half of all legal inquiries received so far relate to insurance issues, according to Bushfire Legal Help.

Bushfire Legal Help has been operating for a week in relief centres and through a phone line.

“No one single issue stands out, but there are a myriad of insurance queries,” spokesperson Kerry O’Shea said.

Queries range from concerns about underinsurance; no insurance; not knowing who the insurance company is; and specific questions about domestic; commercial and farming policies.

“Fencing is one problem that has arisen early on. Farmers want to get stock back onto the land and there are no fences. They need advice on what their insurance will cover them for and who is responsible for paying for replacement fences, particularly in circumstances where their neighbour may no longer be on the property,” she said.

In response, the group will send experienced insurance lawyers to relief centres from today, particularly Kinglake this weekend.

Lawyers are also handling inquires on lost documents; missing wills; employment issues; rent and mortgage problems and dealing with the Coroners’ Office.

“Our indication is that the number of inquires is growing each day as people try to get on with rebuilding their lives and hit legal hurdles,” Ms O’Shea said.

Lawyers are visiting up to 10 relief centres, in response to local requests for legal assistance. And people can also call 1800 113 432 Monday to Friday between 8.45 am and 5.15 pm for bushfire legal advice.

In the first week, lawyers have seen about 80 people at relief centres and handled about 150 phone inquiries.

More than 500 private, legal aid, community legal centre lawyers and barristers have offered their services at no charge.

The service is supported by Victoria Legal Aid, Federation of Community Legal Centres, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Law Foundation; the Victorian Bar and Public Interest Law Clearing House.

Further information contact Kerry O’Shea on koshea@liv.asn.au or 0401 107103.