Media release

Tuesday 31 March, 2009

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE GIVES SUPPORT FOR ROYAL COMMISSION

The Bendigo based Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre is offering free legal information and support to people wishing to appear before the Bushfire Royal Commission.

Peter Noble, Principal Solicitor at the Centre, said, “While many people participated in the recent round-tables and could make written submissions, individuals or groups may also want to actually appear before the Commission and give oral evidence.”

“However, the time-line for seeking leave to appear is extremely tight. Applications must be filed with the Commission by Thursday 9 April 2009”, Mr Noble explained.

Individuals have the right to seek standing and if they wish to obtain further assistance with this then they should call Bushfire Legal Help on 1800 113 432. However, the Community Legal Centre is willing to support applications to appear before the Commission by groups of affected residents of the Bendigo and Redesdale fires.

Mr Noble explained, “Because a group will be appearing it is important that their evidence be clear and consistent. The Centre believes that affected individuals at the sites affected in this region have something unique to contribute, such as the need for fire planning in regional urban settings, but they must be quick to have their voice heard.”

Anyone interested in participating in the application must contact the Community Legal Centre on 1800 639 121 by 5pm on Wednesday 1 April 2009. A meeting will then be held on Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm at the Long Gully Anglican Church, corner Eaglehawk Rd and Creeth Street to form a group and obtain preliminary instructions.

For further information contact Peter Noble on 0400 870 210.