A new service has been set up to support victims of the NSW bushfires access free legal help.
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In a media release the state government said thousands of residents impacted by the bushfires will be offered free legal help with the launch of the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said Legal Aid NSW will operate the service, which will be available via its helpline 1800 801 529.
"In the face of the worst bushfire crisis in our nation's history, we have seen friends and neighbours come together to protect their communities and support those who have suffered terrible losses," Mr Speakman said.
"I am very grateful to the private legal community for joining the recovery effort by standing together with Legal Aid NSW and community legal centres to offer pro-bono services for people facing legal issues as a result of the bushfires."
Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said a partnership between his organisation, community legal centres, the Law Society of NSW and the NSW Bar Association will provide invaluable help to people impacted by the bushfires.
Law Society President Richard Harvey said more than 200 lawyers and firms have already offered pro-bono services and encouraged others to follow suit.
"In the face of expected immense demand for legal advice in the wake of this disaster, our profession is on standby to provide support to our communities. The Law Society is honoured to be able to play a role in facilitating this," Mr Harvey said.
"This means fire-affected owners of farms and businesses who might not be eligible for Legal Aid will be able to access free quality legal advice to help them rebuild after the disaster."
This announcement builds on the work of Legal Aid's disaster response service that has been operating since 2010 across NSW. This service has already provided legal assistance throughout the bushfire season for people navigating insurance claims, tenancy issues, financial hardship, social security entitlements and employment issues.
The Shoalhaven and Districts Law Society (SDLS) is encouraging those impacted by the recent South Coast bushfires to seek legal assistance.
Paul Ell, President of the SDLS, has welcomed the legal support being offered to local victims of the bushfires.
"As we begin to come to terms with the impact of these fires, so many across our community will require assistance with insurance claims, social security entitlements or any other urgent legal matters. Complementary assistance is being made available through referral services offered by the law society, legal aid, and community legal centres." Mr Ell said
The services which can be accessed by those impacted include:
The Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre is now open and can provide legal advice or other information and referrals. Their number is 1800 229 529. Shoalcoast services the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Local Government Areas.
Legal Aid NSW is currently providing free, practical legal assistance to help people recover and rebuild. The LawAccess NSW Disaster Response Hotline is 1800 801 529 or go to www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
The Financial Rights Legal Centre offer specialist assistance for insurance matters - see at https://insurancelaw.org.au/ and the number for their hotline is 1300 663 464.