Bushfire Community Support

Free legal help for small businesses, farms and other primary producers affected by the bushfires

 

Many communities are only just experiencing the legal impacts of the 2019-2020 bushfires.

We know that the well-being of communities is intrinsically linked with the well-being of the small businesses in those communities.

To support small businesses, farms and primary producers  in the recovery process, we’re connecting them to our network of 10,000 pro bono lawyers. 

Apply for help

How do we help?

We are helping eligible small businesses, farms and primary producers affected by the bushfires with issues including, but not limited to: 

  • Business insurance coverage and claims 
  • Fencing and disputes with their neighbouring farms
  • Leases and property
  • Credit & debt 
  • Contracts 

We can help by connecting you with our network of pro bono lawyers, including some law firms in bushfire-affected areas, for free legal advice and ongoing representation.

Who can we help?  

  • Do you run a business, with 20 employees or less, in an area that was impacted by the bushfires? 
  • Was your business negatively impacted by the bushfires? 
  • Are you dealing with a legal problem because of the bushfires? 
  • Are you finding it harder to resolve a legal problem because of the bushfires? 
  • Would your business struggle to pay for legal help? 

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are probably eligible for some free legal help from Justice Connect.  

Have you been affected by the bushfires?

Apply for help
 

Other support in New South Wales

Legal Aid New South Wales

The Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service provides free legal help for all individuals affected by a disaster.

The new Commonwealth funded Bushfire Legal Aid Scheme provides additional support for farmers and small business, who can now apply through a private lawyer for funding to assist with their legal costs

If you are an eligible small business owner or primary producer, your private solicitor can now apply for funding of $2000 to assist you to resolve your legal matter arising from the bushfires in 2019 and 2020, and up to $5000 for related expenses.

Additional funding is available in reasonable circumstances. If you have more than one bushfire related legal problem your solicitor may receive more than one round of funding for legal services and expenses.

For information on the Bushfire Legal Aid Scheme, contact your local solicitor, call the Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service on 1800 801 529 or email disaster.response@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

 

Financial Rights Legal Centre

Financial Rights Legal Centre assists consumers and small businesses affected by natural disasters including COVID-19, bushfires, hail storms, storms and drought. They also assist small businesses affected by natural disasters. They can provide advice, minor assistance and representation services.

Call them on 1300 663 464 (press 1 for disaster) or find more information on their website.

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