Articles of interest - 3 March 2021

Written on the 3 March 2021 by SAFCA

  • FCA Weekly Digest 26 February 2021
  • Legal Services Commission Keeping Connected
  • Senate inquiry into Jobseeker
     


FCA Weekly Digest 26 February 2021

Extracts from the FCA Weekly Digest


Introduction: Monday 22 - Friday 26 February

Welcome to the Weekly Financial Counselling Digest, which keeps you informed about recent news and updates to financial counselling resources.

Looking for a different Weekly Digest? You can find all our previous versions on the Weekly Digest Toolkit page.


Toolkit and Website Changes

Information on the Car Accident Debt page has been updated https://ndh.org.au/debt-problems/cars/car-accident-debt/

Information on the COVID-19 Early Access to Super page has been updated (reflecting that the program has ended) https://ndh.org.au/covid-19-if-you-accessed-your-super-early-eligibility-issues/


News and Updates - Recently posted on Facebook Toolkit Group.

$1 Million in Grants for Financial Counselling to Help Vulnerable Renters

For the first time, financial counselling will be available alongside tenancy support services, to private renters who are struggling financially.

$1.17 million has been provided in grants for the next three years, to fund services at Tenants Victoria, Tenants Queensland and VERTO (Australia).

Thank you to the Financial Counselling Foundation and Credit Union Australia (CUA) for contributing funds for these grants.

See the full media release by clicking here


New Financial Assistance Hub

The Australian Banking Association has developed a new online tool, to guide customers in financial hardship and improve transparency.

The new 'Financial Assistance Hub' can be found at: www.ausbanking.org.au/assistance

The site was created in collaboration with consumer groups including Financial Counselling Australia and the Rural Financial Counselling Service, as well as the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Click here to see the full media release


Research Project: Intimate Partner Violence in Gambler's Help Services

Do you work for a gambling support service? Are you interested in participating in an interview to discuss Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among gambling support clients?

Then please contact Carol O'Dwyer carol.odwyer@unimelb.edu.au

More information about Phoenix Australia, the research body, is available by clicking here


EAP Newsletter: Leadership for a Bright 2021

As part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) package for the sector, we receive wellbeing resources that are available for your use.

This newsletter focusses on leadership strategies, that aim to help communities thrive during change.

The leader tool highlights key traits that helped us throughout the pandemic and beyond, while the personal tool addresses what people should expect from us as leaders.

Click the link to access the tools and read the full newsletter: https://bit.ly/3uui5cO
 



Legal Services Commission Keeping Connected

We want to help you stay connected

Welcome to 'Keeping Connected' - a fortnightly e-resource to help keep workers up to date with relevant legal topics.

As workers in organisations, government departments, and education sites, you are in the perfect position to share important information, resources, and steer people in the right direction to get the help they need.

Each month we highlight our resources on a particular legal topic.

This edition's topic features information on how to access our upcoming free webinar series Law for Community Workers.

Law for Community Workers Webinars

This edition of Keeping Connected has information on our upcoming Law for Community Workers series of free webinars https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php

Law for Community Workers is a free webinar series for people who work in any field of the community sector, including government departments and agencies.

The program comprises a series of free webinars about the law, the legal system, and legal procedures.  It provides legal information in plain language for non-lawyers.  It aims to help community workers to:

  • identify legal problems
  • assist their clients to understand the legal system and legal procedures
  • understand the range of legal assistance services available in South Australia and
  • make timely appropriate referrals for legal assistance and advice.

The webinars focus on key areas of law that are relevant for community workers and their clients.

Fast facts about Law for Community Workers

  • LCW webinars are all free
  • One hour, at lunch-time
  • Resources are provided
  • Attendance Certificates are available on request
  • Easy webinar system.


Upcoming Webinars

Legal Responses to Bullying

Date: 11 March 2021
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST
How: register for this webinar https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2049490087213588747

Centrelink - The Basics

Date: 1 April 2021
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST
How: register for this webinar https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7083185161056787723

Youth Justice: The Legal Basics

Date: 6 May 2021
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST
How: register for this webinar https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1068689431354281227

Family Law: The Legal Basics

Date: 3 June 2021
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST
How: register for this webinar https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4866891876367111691


Further information can be found in the webinar descriptions below.

For frequently asked questions and webinar tips visit the Law for Community Workers page on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php


Legal Responses to Bullying

This free webinar will provide an overview of:

  • The South Australian State Wide Bullying Prevention Strategy
  • Child safe environments and anti-bullying policies
  • Possible criminal offences
  • Possible civil law responses
  • Reviewing school decisions involving bullying (government and non-government)
  • The role of the Commonwealth eSafety Commissioner
  • Where to seek further information and support for bullying

For further Information, contact details, frequently asked questions and webinar tips visit the Law for Community Workers page on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php

A certificate of attendance is available on request.


Centrelink: The Legal Basics

This free webinar will provide an overview of some common issues when assisting clients who are dealing with Centrelink:

  • Common types of Centrelink payments
  • Accessing payments
  • Centrelink debts
  • Prosecutions
  • Appeals
  • Where to get more information and legal help

For further Information, contact details, frequently asked questions and webinar tips visit the Law for Community Workers page on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php

A certificate of attendance is available on request


Youth Justice: The Legal Basics

This free webinar will cover:

  • An overview of the Youth Justice System in South Australia
  • The legal framework that underpins the system
  • The age of criminal responsibility
  • Pre-court diversions
  • The Youth Court
  • Sentencing
  • Criminal records
  • Information about our free resources for young people and workers.

For further Information, contact details, frequently asked questions and webinar tips visit the Law for Community Workers page on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php


Family Law: The Legal Basics

This free webinar will provide an overview of:

  • The Family Law system
  • Divorce and property settlement principles
  • Matters involving children: best interests of the child, family dispute resolution, independent children's lawyers
  • The cross-examination scheme
  • Enforcing Court Orders
  • Changing Court Orders
  • Myth busting: dispelling common misconceptions about Family Law
  • Where to refer clients for legal help.

For further Information, contact details, frequently asked questions and webinar tips visit the Law for Community Workers page on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/law_for_community_workers.php

A certificate of attendance is available on request.


How to get legal advice and assistance

Legal Help Line
1300 366 424

Free, confidential legal advice on the telephone about most legal issues.

Available 9am 4.30pm
Monday Friday.

We can arrange and pay for interpreters.

Find more information about getting legal help on our website https://lsc.sa.gov.au/


Online Legal Aid

https://lsc.sa.gov.au/

Apply for a grant of legal aid using our new online form.

Upload electronic copies of supporting documents at any time and start your application.


Legal Chat

https://lsc.sa.gov.au/

Got a legal question? Type to chat to a legal advisor for personal assistance with legal information.

Available during business hours. Click on the Legal Chat icon in the bottom right screen to start Legal Chat.

 

Legal Services Commission and COVID-19

The situation relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is presenting many changes to our lives and the law. For useful information and services that may be of assistance please see our page The Law and Covid-19 for South Australians https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/the_law__covid-19_coronavirus_for_south_australians.php

Please note that we are continuing to provide legal assistance, advice, information and representation to the South Australian community. Please see our contact details below, or visit our website for more information https://lsc.sa.gov.au/
 



Senate inquiry into Jobseeker from FCVic Devil's Advocate

Senate Inquiry into Government's JobSeeker decision

Following widespread dismay in response to the Federal Government's announcement to increase the JobSeeker payment amount by an insufficient $3.57 per day, the Australian Senate has referred the proposed legislation to an Inquiry.

In a statement from ACOSS, CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said, "we are urging the Parliament to stand up for the millions of people, including hundreds of thousands of children, condemned to poverty by the Government's heartless JobSeeker position."

Submissions to the Senate Inquiry are sought by Friday, 5 March. The Committee is expected to report on 12 March.

Click here to find more information about the Inquiry and to make a submission


 


Author:SAFCA

SAFCA

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