Legal Aid NSW to lead independent advisory service as Disability Royal Commission begins
2 Oct 2019
Legal Aid NSW will play a central role in establishing a national legal advisory service for people with disability, their family members and advocates, and others who want to share their stories with the Disability Royal Commission.
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability officially opened with a ceremonial public hearing in Brisbane on 16 September 2019.
National Legal Aid (NLA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services have been funded to deliver a national legal advisory service to help members of the public who want to participate in the Royal Commission. Legal Aid NSW will play a central coordinating role in establishing and operating the national legal advisory service.
The national legal advisory service will provide an independent, accessible service that is trauma-informed and culturally appropriate. It will also include a national helpline, with referrals to counselling and other support services.
The service will give free, independent legal advice to people with disability, and their families, carers, supporters and advocates. It will help members of the public understand their legal rights and different ways to engage with the Royal Commission, including making a submission, participating in a community forum and providing evidence at a hearing.
People can call the service on 1800 771 800. People who find it hard to hear or speak can call the National Relay Service on 133 677 and ask for the National Legal Advisory Service for the Disability Royal Commission. People who need an interpreter can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
National Legal Aid (NLA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services have been funded to deliver a national legal advisory service to help members of the public who want to participate in the Royal Commission. Legal Aid NSW will play a central coordinating role in establishing and operating the national legal advisory service.
The national legal advisory service will provide an independent, accessible service that is trauma-informed and culturally appropriate. It will also include a national helpline, with referrals to counselling and other support services.
The service will give free, independent legal advice to people with disability, and their families, carers, supporters and advocates. It will help members of the public understand their legal rights and different ways to engage with the Royal Commission, including making a submission, participating in a community forum and providing evidence at a hearing.
People can call the service on 1800 771 800. People who find it hard to hear or speak can call the National Relay Service on 133 677 and ask for the National Legal Advisory Service for the Disability Royal Commission. People who need an interpreter can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.