Volunteer lawyers representing Disaster Legal Help Victoria will be available to offer on-the-ground advice and assistance to victims of the Victorian bushfires as they recover from the disaster.
Lawyers will be attending the recovery centres at Cobden and Terang this afternoon, and victims can also call Disaster Legal Help Victoria on 1800 113 432 or visit the website at
We will also attend a community meeting at Cobden this afternoon.
Program Manager of Economic and Social Rights at Victoria Legal Aid, Joel Townsend said the problems people encounter after a bushfire can include the rejection of insurance claims, tenancy or accommodation issues, and debt and other financial difficulties.
“Legal problems can quickly surface after a natural disaster and our lawyers are in the field to help people get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Mr Townsend said.
“It is important that people know about their rights, and how to exercise them, in the event of a rejected insurance claim or other issue.”
The volunteer lawyers from Disaster Legal Help can offer preliminary advice, or point people in the right direction to more comprehensive services.
Mr Townsend said such a stressful event could also exacerbate other legal problems relating to areas such as family law or employment disputes.
“Getting help quickly in these circumstances is crucial to resolving your legal problems.
“Our lawyers can refer you to specialist support services if we are not able to help in your situation,” Mr Townsend said.
Disaster Legal Help is a volunteer collaboration that responds to bushfire, flood and other disasters in Victoria.
Our lawyers are trained in insurance law and dispute resolution, and aim to resolve insurance disputes as quickly as possible.
Disaster Legal Help Victoria partners include the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Justice Connect, Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid and the Victorian Bar.
Reviewed 01 December 2021