Home > About us > News, events & media > Media > Media releases > Legal assistance rolled out to bushfire victims

Legal assistance rolled out to bushfire victims

Date : 13 Feb 2009

People recovering from Victorian bushfires are concerned about legal issues including employment; mortgage repayment and bank interest issues; identity issues and the need for new documents including statutory declarations.

A coalition of lawyers will visit relief centres from this weekend to provide free legal advice.

They are working with local co-ordinators to provide advice on legal issues including:

  • dealing with insurance companies
  • what to do if you are uninsured
  • housing and tenancy
  • property issues, including repairs, rebuilding and selling, looting and trespass
  • dealing with electricity, phone and water companies
  • Wills
  • money problems, paying insurance excess; mortgages and other debts
  • access to superannuation
  • contacting the coroner's office.

Bushfire legal help spokesperson Kerry O’Shea said lawyers would be on hand to help solve problems and reduce anxiety about legal issues.

In addition, people can call the Bushfire legal help line on 1800 113 432, which currently operates between 8.45 am and 5.15 pm Monday to Friday.

'We expect the need for legal assistance will grow over the coming weeks and months as people return to their communities and rebuild their lives,' Ms O’Shea said.

'We have experienced lawyers from all practice areas ready to give their advice at no cost to Victorian bushfire victims,' she said.

The service is supported by Victoria Legal Aid, Federation of Community Legal Centres, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Law Foundation and PILCH.

Media enquiries: contact Kerry O’Shea on koshea@liv.asn.au.