Media release

Friday, 27 February 2009

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS, BUSHFIRE EDITORS, LEGAL REPORTERS

Please note bushfire legal help phone number 1800 113 432

INSURANCE AND CREDIT LEGAL SESSIONS FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

Two free legal information sessions on insurance, financial and credit issues will be held in the bushfire towns of Kinglake and Whittlesea on Thursday 5 March.

The sessions are being presented by Bushfire Legal Help, with the Insurance Ombudsman and the Insurance Council of Australia.

“Insurance issues make up about 70 per cent of all legal inquiries we have received from bushfire victims,” according to Bushfire Legal Help’s Kerry O’Shea.

“There is a clear need for more information about insurance, financial and credit issues to be provided to bushfire victims,” Ms O’Shea said.

Sessions will cover:

• Dealing with your insurance company
• The amount insured and the amount received under your policy
• Reviewing your insurance payout – the four week deadline
• Underinsurance
• The Insurance Ombudsman
• The Insurance Code of Practice
• Disaster claims
• Mortgages payments and replacement loans

The session will be held at:

Kinglake Recovery Centre: Whittlesea Recovery Centre:

1 pm-3 pm Thursday 5 March 4 pm-6 pm Thursday 5 March

Murrindindi Shire Offices, Community Activity Centre

Main St Kinglake 56-61 Laurel St Whittlesea

In addition, lawyers from Bushfire Legal Help will attend legal clinics over the coming weeks in Alexandra, Wandong, Kinglake/Whittlesea, Flowerdale, Arthurs Creek, St Andrews and Diamond Creek, Healesville and Yarra Glen, Traralgon and Labertoush. Details can be obtained from the Bushfire Legal Help phone line on 1800 113 432.

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.