Law for Community Workers

Anyone who has had a Centrelink debt since 2003 can now claim money back from Centrelink under a new Scheme - but they need to act fast. In this episode, Yolanda speaks with Dom Brown, a social security lawyer, about three major legal updates: the validation of income apportionment debts, the introduction of a new resolution scheme offering compensation payments, and expanded pathways for debt wai...

What happens when a child stops attending or is excluded from school - and what are the legal consequences for families and schools? In this episode, Yolanda takes a deep dive into school law in New South Wales, joined by legal experts Carey and Brodie. Together, they unpack how schools manage attendance and discipline, the legal obligations of parents, and what compulsory schooling orders actuall...

Hard Conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Hard Conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Hard conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Hard Conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Hard Conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Hard Conversations is a 6-part podcast series exploring the complexity of elder abuse. It is produced by the Community Legal Education Branch of Legal Aid NSW. The series was originally recorded several years ago. We have refreshed it because we thought that the conversations are still relevant and will assist anyone who wants to understand more about elder abuse.  The people we talk with in this...

Originally recorded for NSW Law Week, the Tenants' Union of NSW breaks down the latest changes to rental laws in New South Wales.  Community Education Coordinator, Charlie Wilde chats to Principal Solicitor, Grant Arbuthnot about key reforms including changes to evictions, rent increases, pets, water efficiency requirements and more.  Find out more about the Tenants' Union of NSW and the new laws...

In this episode, we introduce Do Your Own Divorce - a free, step-by-step online resource to help people in Australia apply for divorce through the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Designed to simplify the process, this tool is a valuable asset for community workers supporting clients through a divorce. We break down how it works, who it’s best for and how you can use it to provide clear, practica...

This is the fifth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  In this episode, Bridget speaks to Alison Waters, the Policy, Advocacy and Research Lead at Lucy's Project.  Lucy’s Project is a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence through collaboration, advocacy, research and education. Lucy's Pro...

This is the fourth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  In this episode, Bridget takes a deep dive into coercive control with criminal lawyers - Helen Shaw and Hayley Dean. Timestamps: 2:41 - Background to coercive control 8:17 - What the law says 14:19 - Defences and limitations to the offence 20:26 - Changes to bail, AVOs and other legislation 32:21 - Case stu...

This is the third episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.      We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.   In this episode, P...

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features civil lawyer, Kyla, speaking about changes to the NDIS.  Listen to our other episodes in this series: Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024? Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024? Download the transcript . D...

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW discuss key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features criminal lawyers, Hayley and Helen, discussing major changes around domestic violence including coercive control, domestic abuse and bail. Listen to our other episodes in this series: Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024 Civi...

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features family lawyer, Cailey, speaking about parenting arrangements, property settlement and changing a child's name.   Listen to our other episodes in this series: Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024? Civil law wr...

This is the second episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.    We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present. In this second episod...

This is the first episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.     We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.  In this first episod...

In this special episode, Sasha and Lynn from Legal Aid NSW's Elder Abuse Service, chat to Peg, an elder abuse survivor, about her experience and getting legal help.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Service on (02) 4324 5611 or via Legal Aid NSW's team at LawAccess NSW. Call 1300 888 529 or chat online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au  The content in this ep...

This week marks Scams Awareness Week. The theme is 'Share a story, stop a scam', to encourage Australians to speak up and report scams.  Learn more about Scams Awareness Week: www.scamwatch.gov.au Read Legal Aid NSW's information about cyber safety Watch Legal Aid NSW's webinar about scams Report a scam via Scamwatch Contact IDCARE to create a free plan if you've been scammed: 1800 595 160 www.idc...

This episode was originally recorded for our Law Matters podcast for people in prison.  If you work with people in prison or other people who are on a visa, this episode may be relevant to you. We've included tips for community and support workers.  Legal Aid NSW has an Immigration Service which is a specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. They can provide free legal advice, assistance and representa...

In this short episode, we give a rundown of the new coercive control criminal offence and why it's important for all community workers to understand this new law. Subscribe to our Law for Community Workers Alert and follow this podcast to be the first to know about upcoming training and information on coercive control.  How can I find out more about coercive control? Watch our webinar for communit...

What is sexual harassment at work? What is discrimination? How can community workers help clients who have experienced sexual harassment and/or discrimination at work?   In this episode, Yasmine from the Community Legal Education team joins Katja from the Respect at Work Legal Service for a run down of this legal issue and tips for community workers.    Find out more about Respect at Work Legal Se...

This is Part 2 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness.   In this 2nd episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Damian Bo...

June 15 marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In this short episode, we highlight what elder abuse is and give a preview of a special episode on the topic that we have coming up.  If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, contact 1800RESPECT. Call  text 0458 737 732 , chat online or video call via  1800respect.org.au . For more information about World Elder Abuse Awareness...