Legal assistance

There will be free initial legal assistance for people affected by the bushfires, the Attorney-General, Brian Wightman announced today.

Mr Wightman said the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Law Society, in conjunction with Tasmania’s Community Legal Centres, are providing a co-ordinated initial advice service for all people who have been affected by the bushfires.

“After the immediate impact of any disaster, there will be a great range of issues to be faced by many Tasmanians.

“Some of the most pressing will be insurance, income support, debt and continuing employment problems. Many of these problems will need legal assistance.”

Mr Wightman said the legal services can all be accessed via the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania’s Free Telephone Legal Advice Hotline on 1300 366 611.

He said general information about a range of issues is available on the Legal Aid Commission’s website www.legalaid.tas.gov.au

“A fact sheet on general information on insurance claims will be provided through as many avenues as possible,” Mr Wightman said.

“Telephone advice operators will ensure that inquiries and requests for assistance are dealt with by the most experienced and knowledgeable practitioners available.

“Where necessary face to face advice sessions will be organised, as well as visits to affected locations and support centres.

“I want to thank the Tasmanian legal profession, private, government and NGO, for their contribution to providing this assistance.

“It shows again the capacity of the Tasmanian community to pull together when we are faced with special need.”
Brian Wightman Attorney-General Tuesday 08th Jan 2013