A busy year for LAWACCESS NSW

02/02/2009

In 2008 LawAccess answered just under 180,000 enquiries, which represents a 23 per cent increase in demand for the free legal information service compared to 2007. The increase is in line with the expansion of its community outreach into regional areas and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Around 42 per cent of information inquiries were from clients living outside Sydney and calls to the Telephone Interpreter Service increased by 58 per cent on the previous year.

LawAccess was set up in 2001 as a joint initiative between the Attorney General’s Department of NSW, Legal Aid NSW, the Law Society of NSW and the NSW Bar Association. The service works closely with Legal Aid NSW, Community Legal Centres and Local Courts. Clients can call 1300 888 529 or go online to www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au

By calling LawAccess, people can get legal information, referral and in some cases legal advice. The Bar Association’s Legal Assistance Referral Scheme is one of the services to which LawAccess will refer clients for further help. �

LawAccess’ recent communications strategies have involved raising awareness of its service among organisations that have regular contact with disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the community.� LawAccess has visited charities, Centrelink staff, aged care and community groups in Sydney and rural and regional NSW to promote the availability of free legal assistance.

Target groups in 2009 include older persons, and new and emerging communities such as Sudanese and Iraqi migrants and refugees. LawAccess will be promoting its service on 17 SBS community radio stations.

**2 February 2009 **