Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Australian Government would provide $220,000 to Victorian community legal centres to help Victorians affected by the bushfire disaster.
“The devastating Victorian Bushfires have left many families with a range of legal matters that need to be considered. This assistance will help them deal with these issues as they begin to start rebuilding their lives,” Mr McClelland said.
The $220,000 will be directed to centres that service the local communities affected by the fires.
“Pressing legal needs often arise following such tragic natural disasters. Community legal centres are well placed to provide information and advice on matters such as housing and tenancy, lost documents and identification papers, insurance and handling of estates,” Mr McClelland said.
Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls welcomed the assistance, saying it complemented other steps being taken by the state’s legal profession to support their fellow Victorians during this difficult time.
“The Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres is working closely with Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Bar, the Victoria Law Foundation, the Law Institute of Victoria, and the Public Interest Law Clearing House to ensure people have access to legal assistance,” he said.
“These organisations have, with the support of the Victorian Government, established a Bushfire Legal Helpline (1800 113 432) and arranged for lawyers to be available at emergency support centres to provide initial legal advice and referral services. “
Mr McClelland said: “In this time of great need, I would like to voice the Australian Government’s appreciation for the legal profession’s contribution to the recovery effort, particularly those people who are giving their time and expertise on a pro bono basis.”
