some useful link on law and justice

PLAIN LANGUAGE LAW, No. 51, March 2011
Law and Justice Foundation of NSW

Past editions of the newsletter are now searchable through 'plain language law search' which contains over 800 resources. It is searchable by format (eg DVD, booklet, etc), language, law type and target group. The database is available through the Foundation's website at:http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/pllsearch

WHAT'S IN THIS EDITION
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COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION
GUIDES TO THE LAW

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COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION

Manage your own divorce (NSW), 2011, [Workshop], Legal Aid Commission NSW, Free, 02 9219 5028
http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=599
This two-hour workshop will provide information about how to complete and lodge divorce application forms, a step-by-step explaination of the divorce process and information about service of documents and the hearing. The workshop will be held on various dates throughout 2011 at Legal Aid offices in Haymarket, Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Dubbo, Fairfield, Gosford, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith and Tamworth.

Social, community, home care & disability services industry award workshops (NSW), 2011, [Workshop], Office of Industrial Relations, Free, 131 628, oirinformation.services@oir.commerce.nsw.gov.au
https://www.events.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/clientview/DefaultSearch.aspx?SearchType=GroupSearch&CourseGroupID=33
This series of workshops held on various dates throughout NSW will look at how some of the provisions of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services modern award impact on employees. Arrangements for transitioning from wage rates and penalties in the pre modern award to those in the modern award will also be discussed.

Young people and crime: panel discussion (NSW), 2011, [Workshop], Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC), Free, 02 9273 1558,liac@sl.nsw.gov.au
This panel will consist of the authors of Hot Topics 73: Young people & crime will discuss the interaction of young people with the criminal justice system. The panel discussion will be held on Tuesday 10 May 2011 at 9am and 11am at the State Library of NSW. To book contact the State Library by phone on 9273 1770 or by email at bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au.

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GUIDES TO THE LAW

Activist Rights Manual (NSW), Redfern Legal Centre, 2011, [Web site], Redfern Legal Centre, Free, 02 9698 7277, info@rlc.org.au,
http://www.activistrightsmanual.com/index.html
This updated web site aims to help activists who attend political protests by providing legal and referral information. Issues covered include protesting in general, identification and being searched, public order law, being arrested and common criminal offences.

Alcohol, drugs and nightlife (NSW), 2010, 2p., [Factsheet], Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc, Free, 02 4422 9529,
http://www.shoalcoast.org.au/publications/11-alcohol-drugs-and-nightlife.html
This factsheet provides information on drinking restrictions, party gate-crashers, noise restrictions, age restrictions on attending pubs and clubs and drug offences. It also provides contact details for a number of relevant organisations that can provide further information.

Budget resource kit (NSW), 2011, [Kit], Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, Free, 02 6621 7397,
http://www.lnci.org.au/budgetresourcekit.html
This kit provides information to help individuals manage budget preparation, understand credit and debt issues and address related legal problems such as dispute resolution, debt recovery and going to court. It also provides contact details for relevant agencies that can provide further information and assistance.

Coronial inquest unit (NSW), 2011, 2p., [Pamphlet], Legal Aid NSW, Free, 02 9219 5028, publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile701.pdf
This pamphlet explains how Legal Aid can provide representation at coronial inquests and who they will represent. Details of how to apply for representation are also provided.

Disability support pension (NSW), 2011, 8p., [Pamphlet], Legal Aid NSW, Free, 02 9219 5028, publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile703.pdf
This pamphlet provides information on how to claim a disability support pension and what to do if your claim has been refused. It also provides information for your doctor and contact details of Legal Aid offices throughout NSW.

Discrimination (Hot topics No 75) (NSW), Melanie Schleiger, 2010, 24p., [Booklet], Legal Information Access Centre, $22.00, 02 9273 1558,liac@sl.nsw.gov.au
http://www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/hot_topics/
This edition explains what discrimination law covers including age, disability, race, marital status and pregnancy and outlines options for people who have been victims of discrimination (including how to make complaint). It outlines the sources of anti-discrimination law both internationally and in Australia.

Domestic violence and AVO issues for flood victims (NSW), 2011, 2p., [Factsheet], Women's Legal Services NSW, Free, 02 9747 7700,
http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/pdfs/WLSNSW-AVO-flood-factsheet.pdf
This factsheet provides information for people protected by an AVO who have been affected by the recent flooding. It explains legal rights and options and provides contact details of various organisations that can provide further information and assistance.

Driving (NSW), 2010, 2p., [Factsheet], Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc, Free, 02 4422 9529,
http://www.shoalcoast.org.au/publications/13-driving.html
This factsheet explains various legal considerations when driving including buying a car, insurance, motor vehicle accidents, driving and traffic offences. It also provides contact details for a number of relevant organisations that can provide further information.

Drugs and the law (Hot topics 59) (NSW), Steve Bolt, 2011, 2nd ed., 28p., [Booklet], Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC), $22.00, 02 9273 1558, liac@sl.nsw.gov.au
http://www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/guides/drugs/index.cfm
This updated issue covers drug laws in NSW, including possession, use and supply, youth related issues, the court process, diversion from the criminal justice system and useful contacts.

Franchisee start-up checklist ( Australia), 2011, 11p., [Booklet], Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Free, 02 9230 9133,
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=750832&nodeId=ba8467e17612d806f4d0930113188140
&fn=Franchisee%20startup%20checklist.pdf
This booklet explains the Franchising Code of Conduct and outlines a checklist of things to consider before purchasing a franchise business. It also discusses avenues available for dispute resolution under the Franchising Code and the role of the ACCC.

Going to a dispute resolution conference in the children's court: information for parents and carers (NSW), 2011, 6p., [Pamphlet], Department of Justice and Attorney General, Free, 02 9228 7777 or 1800 684 449, communications@agd.nsw.gov.au
http://www.courtwise.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/childrens_court/ll_cc.nsf/vwFiles/info_parents_carers.pdf/$file/info_parents_carers.pdf
This pamphlet is aimed at parents and carers. It explains what a dispute resolution conference is, what the process is, who should attend and how to prepare for one.

Going to an independent mediation referred by the children's court: information for parents and carers (NSW), 2011, 6p., [Pamphlet], Department of Justice and Attorney General, Free, 02 9228 7777 or 1800 684 449, communications@agd.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/childrens_court/ll_cc.nsf/vwFiles/info_mediation_by_cc.pdf/$file/info_mediation_by_cc.pdf
This pamphlet is aimed at parents and carers. It explains what mediation is and provides information on who attends mediation, what happens at mediation and how to prepare for mediation.

Going to mediation: information for children and young people (NSW), 2011, 6p., [Pamphlet], Department of Justice and Attorney General, Free, 02 9228 7777 or 1800 684 449, communications@agd.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/childrens_court/ll_cc.nsf/vwFiles/info_children.pdf/$file/info_children.pdf
This pamphlet is aimed at children and young people. It explains what mediation is and provides information on who attends mediation sessions, what happens at one and how to prepare to attend one.

How to get a work and development order (WDO) (NSW Australia), 2011, 4p., [Pamphlet], Illawarra Legal Centre, Free, 02 4276 1939,
http://yfoundations.org.au/files/News/WDO%20Brochure_A4.pdf
This brochure explains what a WDO is, who is eligible for one, the types of fines covered by a WDO and how to apply for one.

Human rights and discrimination (NSW), 2010, 2p., [Factsheet], Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc, Free, 02 4422 9529,
http://www.shoalcoast.org.au/publications/12-human-rights-a-discimination.html
This factsheet explains what human rights are including human rights law in Australia, children's rights and discrimination. It also provides contact details for a number of relevant organisations that can provide further information.

New tenant checklist (NSW), 2011, [Web page], NSW Office of Fair Trading, Free, 13 32 20 / 1300 723 404,
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Tenants_and_home_owners/Renting_a_home/New_tenant_checklist.html
This checklist outlines what tenants should know before signing a lease including arrangements for repairs, paying upfront costs and moving in requirements. It also includes tips for problem-free renting.

Parenting and child support issues for flood victims (NSW), 2011, 3p., [Factsheet], Women's Legal Services NSW, Free, 02 9747 7700,
http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/pdfs/WLSNSW-FL-flood-factsheet.pdf
This factsheet is for people under a parenting order or parenting plan who have been affected by the recent flooding. It provides information about family law parenting issues and child support, it explains legal rights and options and what to do if an order/plan cannot be obeyed. It also lists contact details of other organisations that can provide further information and assistance.

Rural landholder's guide to environmental law in New South Wales (NSW), 2011, 3rd ed., 108p., [Book], Environmental Defender's Office (NSW) Ltd, Free, 02 9262 6989, education@edo.org.au
http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/rural_landholders_3rd_ed.pdf
This updated guide aims to increase understanding of the legal rights and obligations of a landowner with regard to the management of land in accordance with environmental and natural resource management law. Topics covered include vegetation, bushfire and water management, protected plants and animals, development consent, pollution, agricultural chemicals, crops and stock, mining and quarrying and heritage protection.

Sorting out your electricity, gas and water bills (NSW), 2011, 2p., [Factsheet], Energy and Water Ombudman NSW, Free,
http://www.ewon.com.au/ewon/assets/File/Publications/EWON_Factsheets/SortingOutYourElectricityGasAndWaterBills.pdf
This updated factsheet gives an overview of issues encountered when paying electricity, gas and water bills, including opening and closing accounts, security deposits, pensioner rebates, unpaid bills, connection and disconnection and payment plans.

Tenancy reforms 2011, [Web page], NSW Office of Fair Trading, Free, 13 32 20 / 1300 723 404,
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/News_and_events/Tenancy_reforms.html
This web page includes information on the new tenancy laws introduced on 31 January 2011. It includes information for tenants and landlords, new standard forms and video presentations on the new laws.

Veterans advocacy service (NSW), 2010, 6p., [Pamphlet], Legal Aid NSW, Free, 02 9219 5028, publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile131.pdf
This pamphlet explains services provided to veterans, defence force personnel and their dependants including legal advice, assistance with completing forms and lodging appeals and representation at boards, tribunals and courts.

Why make a will? (NSW), 2011, 4p., [Pamphlet], Legal Aid NSW, Free, 02 9219 5028, publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile698.pdf
This pamphlet for older people explains what a will is, appointing an executor, changing a will, challenges to a will, who can make a will and the costs involved. It also provides contact details for other organisations that can provide further information and assistance.

Your consumer rights: environmental claims ( Australia), 2011, 2p., [Factsheet], Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Free, 02 9230 9133,
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=808269&nodeId=06cf55664c677258de1abffd4e5641c9
&fn=Your%20consumer%20rights,%20environmental%20claims.pdf
This factsheet explains changes to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which came into effect on 1 January 2011. It explains what an environmental claim is, possible breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by businesses making environmental claims and the role of the ACCC regarding breaches of the Act.

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Plain Language Law is produced by Erika Murray and Abigail Gray, Law and Justice Foundation of NSW, (02) 8227-3200, with assistance from the Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC). To find NSW plain language legal resources in particular subject areas contact LIAC (02) 9273 1558 or check the web at http://www.liac.sl.nsw.gov.au or call LawAccess on 1300 888 529 or check their website at: http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au.