Justice Connect | Non-profit organisation

Justice Connect

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

25.01.2022 If you're currently navigating a legal issue, you may benefit from reading our self-help resources. You can search our resources by legal problem, by jurisdiction, by who you are, or by location. Take a look: https://justiceconnect.org.au/resources/

25.01.2022 The Victorian Government has been granted a six-month extension of its powers to declare the coronavirus pandemic an ongoing state of emergency. A State of Emergency gives the Chief Health Officer powers to implement rules for the community and respond immediately to public health crisis. Well continue to update our Victorian resource as new laws are introduced.

24.01.2022 Your rights are work will depend on your employee agreement and your award. For more information about how #covid19 may affect your work, take a look at our website.

23.01.2022 This National Homelessness Week it's more crucial than ever to keep people in housing. We're already seeing spikes in housing insecurity due to COVID-19. If you're unable to make rent, our Dear Landlord app may be able to help you negotiate a rent reduction with your landlord, so you can stay in your housing: https://apps.justiceconnect.org.au/

22.01.2022 If you have a simple legal problem related to COVID-19 and can't find the answer online, we're here to help. For questions our self-help resources just can't answer, we built Justice Connect Answers. Simply sign-up, ask your legal question, and one of our lawyers will get back to you with a discrete answer. And it's completely free. https://answers.justiceconnect.org.au

21.01.2022 Was your small business, or the small business of someone you know, affected by the bushfires? We're offering you free legal help. Apply online today: justiceconnect.org.au/bushfiresupport

21.01.2022 Do you work for or belong to a community organisation and have a question about how COVID-19 may be affecting you? Our NFP Law team can help your community group respond to COVID-19 legal and governance issues. Check out our FAQs on safety, annual general meetings, contracts and privacy at https://www.nfplaw.org.au/covid19

21.01.2022 In this FREE webinar, youll learn what the law requires you to do when a conflict or complaint arises between members or committee members of your not-for-profit. Importantly, well also arm you with practical tips on how to both avoid and manage disputes if they do arise. Register today!

19.01.2022 Deductible gift recipient (DGR) status is highly sought after, as it can help not-for-profits access more donations and grants. Many organisations grapple with DGR status, including understanding the benefits, which groups are eligible, how to apply and what the planned DGR reforms will mean for them. Our NFP Law team will be running an informative, practical and fun webinar on the ins and outs of DGR Status. Register today!

19.01.2022 #COVID19 has impacted businesses and their employees across Australia. As a result of cashflow issues, some business may be forced to close down and liquidate in order to settle its debts. As an employee, there are steps you can take to make sure you get the payments you are owed. https://justiceconnect.org.au//pursuing-an-employer-for-p/

19.01.2022 Are you finding it difficult to pay back debts due to #COVID19? Our resource can help you understand how to respond to debt collectors and get back on track. The earlier you take action against money problems, the easier it is to prevent them from escalating into legal problems.

18.01.2022 We welcome the announcement by Dan Andrews and the Victorian Government that they will fund rental housing and support for people experiencing homelessness. Keeping people safely housed is a crucial part of any COVID-19 response. This is a great stepping stone for our #MakeSocialHousingWork ask of 6000 social housing homes each year for ten years.

18.01.2022 It's National Homelessness Week. To help end homelessness, we need to a better and fairer housing system for everyone. That means safe, affordable social housing, now. To support the campaign to end homelessness, sign the Everybody's Home pledge today: https://everybodyshome.com.au/take-action/

17.01.2022 The pandemic has had a silver lining in that extra support and protections for renters and people experiencing homelessness have been developed. But with Australia heading into a deep recession, what happens when these temporary measures end? ABC Melbourne and Victorian Council of Social Service are hosting 'Is COVID causing a housing crisis?' tomorrow evening as parrt of the 'Victorian Voices' online video series. This episode will be hosted by Raf Epstein with guests:... Dr Nadia Chaves, Infectious disease specialist from cohealth Darren Smith, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Victoria Georga Wootton, Lawyer at Tenants Victoria See more

17.01.2022 Losing your job or being on a reduced income can have flow-on impacts on your ability to pay your debts, bills and stay in secure housing. If youre unable to keep up with your bills and expenses, these resources may help you get back on track and avoid having your financial problems escalate. https://justiceconnect.org.au//resources-for-people-facin/

16.01.2022 Children belong in classrooms and playgrounds, not in handcuffs, courtrooms or prison cells. Yesterday, 31 countries from the UN human rights review urged the Australian Government to #RaiseTheAge so children aged 10 to 13 are not sent to prison. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids make up 6% of the youth population but 65% of 10-13 year olds who are locked up in prison" - NATSILS - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services... Add your name to tell our federal, state and territory governments to change these laws and #RaiseTheAge so kids aged 10 to 13 are not sent to prison: https://www.raisetheage.org.au/

16.01.2022 Victorian Council of Social Service and ABC Melbourne are live streaming now: Is COVID causing a housing crisis?

15.01.2022 Read the latest insights from our COVID-19 response throughout February, including: How our emergency powers resources were used by Victorians during their snap 5 day lockdown How the JobSeeker cuts are impacting how people search for information related to debt, finances and employment Who will be most affected by Victoria's new tenancy laws ... https://justiceconnect.org.au/insights-from-our-february-2/

15.01.2022 Since 1938, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have commemorated the 26th of January as a day of mourning and recognition of invasion on their Sovereign lands. We stand behind them in their calls for justice and truth telling. Always was, always will be. #alwayswasalwayswillbe

15.01.2022 We've received a HESTA Award for Outstanding Organisation in the category of community services. This award is in recognition of our work supporting people and community organisations to access legal support by designing and delivering high-impact interventions. Receiving this award highlights the importance of preventing the negative impacts of legal problems on individuals and organisations. ... It's particularly meaningful in a year that has been so difficult for so many across the legal services sector, where we have had to push hard to scale up our services to meet rising demand for legal help. https://hesta.co/Justice-Connect

15.01.2022 It can be overwhelming to be contacted by debt collectors. However, there are steps you can take to find out about your options, protect yourself, and respond to debt collection in a less stressful way. If you're dealing with debt collectors and want to know more about what to do, check out our free resource. https://justiceconnect.org.au//responding-to-debt-collect/

15.01.2022 Willum Warrain creates space for women's and men's groups, kids groups, and cultural gatherings. When our Not-for-profit Law service first met Willum Warrain, we had no idea that COVID-19 was about to change the way community organisations ran. Now, with a little bit of legal help, Willum Warrain is continuing to thrive and even hosted its first men's group entirely online. To see more about how we helped Willum Warrain, read our blog post.

15.01.2022 We're proud to announce a partnership with NSW's Ageing and Disability Commission to support their Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline. The program will connect eligible older people and adults with disability experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation with direct advice and support from our expert lawyers and network of pro bono legal experts. For adults with disability, the program also covers support with matters related to accessing the NDIS, Disability Support Pension..., discrimination, guardianship, housing and other legal issues. This partnership will allow us to provide eligible people with tailored and effective legal services anywhere in NSW, removing geographic, safety and accessibility barriers by using videoconferencing facilities already in use by the health sector.

14.01.2022 Have you been unable to secure a rent reduction and do you need help understanding your rights or options? That's why we have built Dear Landlord. You can find Dear Landlord at https://apps.justiceconnect.org.au/

14.01.2022 We’re launching a new report 'Seeking Legal Help Online' on how legal service organisations can improve the way we share information and tools by applying a human-centred design approach. Coinciding with the launch, this free webinar will share how we applied human-centred design methodology in our Self-help for Common Legal Problems research project and how you can do it too! Registration and the report are free, sign up today to secure your spot.

14.01.2022 #COVID19 has brought about housing insecurity for many people. We know how tough it is, and that's why we built Dear Landlord. Answer a few questions and Dear Landlord can help, whether that's negotiating with your landlord, navigating ending a lease or finding out where you can get more help. https://justiceconnect.org.au/help/dear-landlord/

14.01.2022 If you're facing money or debt problems due to COVID-19, you might want to ask your bank for help managing your financial commitments. If you're unhappy with the solution your bank provides, there is action you can take at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (ACFA). AFCA is a notforprofit company which helps people resolve disagreements with banks and other finance institutions. AFCA helps resolves complaints by helping people and their banks come to agreement on ...a solution. However, if a solution cant be reached in this way, they can also decide the outcome by making a determination. https://justiceconnect.org.au//resolving-a-problem-with-y/

13.01.2022 The stats are in, 77% of Victorians want the state Government to build more housing. Secure and stable housing plays a significant role in improving the lives and well-being of marginalised Victorians. Making sure people have a safe place to call home means they can get back on their feet and manage other social and legal issues, including family violence, mental health and substance dependence.

13.01.2022 From today, wearing a face covering is essential when leaving your home in the greater Melbourne region and Mitchell Shire.

13.01.2022 2020 has been unlike any other year. Bushfires, a global pandemic and recession have changed life as we knew it and have led to rising demand for legal help. Environmental destruction, lockdown measures, and community health concerns have disrupted traditional service-delivery models and across the year we have made rapid shifts to keep our services running. Despite the challenges, we have adapted, provided more services than ever before, continued to innovate and advocated f...or system-level changes to address drivers of legal need. It’s been a big year for all of us, and we wanted to share some highlights. Read our 2020 wrap up: https://justiceconnect.org.au/2020-crisis-catalysing-progr/

12.01.2022 If you're facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, your energy and water providers have certain obligations to make sure you are safe. If you can't afford your bills, you have a right to ask your provider for a payment plan. Your energy and water providers can't cut you off without your approval. If you think your providers have treated you unfairly, our resource explains how to challenge their decision: https://justiceconnect.org.au//responding-to-debt-collect/

12.01.2022 This article from Roxanne Moore, Executive Officer of NATSILS - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services is one not to be missed. "We know our kids shine when they are connected to culture, country and community. Instead of building prisons in which kids suffer abuse and harm for life, we need governments to build futures." Australia’s low age of minimum criminal responsibility is well out of step with international standards. We must #RaiseTheAge to ke...ep kids out of the criminal legal system. Sign the petition today: https://www.raisetheage.org.au/

12.01.2022 New research from National Ageing Research Institute shows that 39.2% of people in aged care homes experience neglect, emotional abuse, or physical abuse. That's without counting financial abuse or sexual assault data. This prevalence data is truly shocking. Victims, their families, and concerned staff members have very few avenues to raise complains when elder abuse is tolerated, normalised or ignored within the culture of aged care, and in broader Australian culture too.... Everyone is entitled to a safe and secure home, including older people. Urgent reform of the aged care sector is needed to ensure we can end elder abuse. Read the full NARI report: https://www.nari.net.au/residential-aged-care-survey

11.01.2022 AGM season looks different this year. Join this interactive and practical webinar run by our NFP Law team who will walk you through the why, what, when and how of meetings and spell out your not-for-profit organisations various legal obligations along the way.

11.01.2022 Courts have changed the way they operate due to #COVID19. If you have a remote hearing coming up and want to know how to best prepare for it, including tips on support people, how to ensure a hearing goes smoothly, what to prepare, and more - check out our free resource.

11.01.2022 If you're dealing with a legal problem and need some information to guide you, we have resources to help. Browse our self-help resources today: https://justiceconnect.org.au/resources/

10.01.2022 Great news from the Victorian government to extend the emergency tenancy protections for renters until 31st December, preventing evictions into #homelessness and financial hardship. Vital for all Victorians to have a home during COVID-19.

09.01.2022 Check out our first Justice Yarns podcast where we discuss #RCIADIC30Years with Senator Patrick Dodson #StopBlackDeathsInCustody #Aboriginallivesmatter #springst #auspol youtu.be/k2wOGX_NgWs

09.01.2022 Three recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care that will be vital in preventing elder abuse: A human rights-based approach Support to navigate the service system Enhancing legal advocacy support ... https://justiceconnect.org.au/3-vital-recommendations-aged/

09.01.2022 It's not too late to register for our Not-for-profit Law webinar on Starting a Not-for-profit Organisation, tomorrow (Tuesday 19th Jan) at 12:45pm AEST. Register at https://nfplaw.org.au/starting-not-profit-organisation

08.01.2022 If you're facing eviction, there are steps you can take to stay safely in your home. We’re able to help everyone, including people who aren’t Australian citizens. Dear Landlord is an online tool that asks you a few questions, and then provides you with information and tools. It can help you understand your rights and options, draft a letter to your rental provider to negotiate a payment plan, prepare for a VCAT hearing, or find financial and legal help. Use Dear Landlord now: apps.justiceconnect.org.au/dear-landlord

07.01.2022 Human-centred design means taking an empathetic approach that puts people at the centre of the design process. By better understanding people’s needs and wants, we can design tools, products, services and systems that are truly helpful and meet people’s needs. By taking a human-centred approach to our research into online legal information, we can create resources that are more helpful, intuitive, and make navigating the law easier for people. Don't forget to register for your free place at our webinar explaining more about human-centred design and how to apply it.

07.01.2022 Courts and tribunals across Australia have changed the way they operate as a result of the #COVID19 pandemic. Most courts and tribunals have moved towards hearing matters remotely using online platforms or phone calls. Remember: if your lawyer isn't dialled into to the online or phone call hearing, and you were expecting them to be, you should ask for your lawyer to be added before any of the formal proceedings start.

07.01.2022 Many courts and tribunals across Australia have moved to digital hearings as a result of COVID-19. If your matter has been listed as a remote hearing, we've got some tips to help you prepare: Consider your accessibility requirements Download the platform the court has asked you to use ... Test your tech Find a quiet, comfortable a well-let space Use headphones were possible to ensure you're heard and can hear Dress appropriately Have all relevant documents readily available For more information on how to prepare for your remote court hearing, visit https://justiceconnect.org.au//how-do-i-prepare-for-remot/

06.01.2022 On the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC), we are proud to stand in solidarity with the families of Aboriginal people who have died in police custody. We support First Nations peoples’ repeated demands for systemic change and join Community Legal Centres NSW in calling for their key recommendations to be implemented immediately. Read the statement now: https://www.clcnsw.org.au/community-legal-centres-call-urge

06.01.2022 Did you know the Victorian Parliament recently made changes to the law that will help modernise the legal system and bring it into the digital age? That's good news for lots of people who find the legal system inaccessible. As we explained in a position paper last year, these changes can only be beneficial if they are introduced with sufficient safeguards. ... https://justiceconnect.org.au/victoria-makes-digital-witne/

06.01.2022 If you’re behind in rent, you’re not alone. Dear Landlord can help: apps.justiceconnect.org.au/dear-landlord

06.01.2022 We’re offering community organisations a free Governance Health Check. WHAT YOU'LL GET: We’ll provide you with an assessment of your organisation’s governance and legal obligations. We’ll tell you what your organisation is doing well.... You'll get tips on how to tidy up any areas that need some improvement. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Confirm if your organisation currently receives funding from the Dept of Communities and Justice NSW - stronger together Register your interest here: www.nfplaw.org.au/2021-governance-heath-check-nsw-0 Spend about 20 minutes answering some questions about your organisation. Places are limited so you’ll need to get in fast! Please share this post to let your friends and colleagues know!

06.01.2022 If you're experiencing rental hardship in Victoria, you may be eligible for a rental relief grant. The program has been extended to 31 December 2020, and grants have been increased to $3000 for new recipients. If you've already received up to $2000, you may be eligible to receive another $1000. Find out more details and how to apply in the link below!

05.01.2022 In a step towards #fixfundraising, a working group has issued a discussion paper focusing on a model in which a charity already registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission would be deemed to hold a local fundraising authority in each participating state or territory. While there are further issues to address, we welcome developments that could lead to the harmonisation of fundraising laws in Australia. You can read more about the proposed model, the issues, and our full submission at https://www.nfplaw.org.au/possible-step-towards-fundraising

04.01.2022 All our services are still running. If you have a legal problem, our online application will let you know if you're eligible for help and connect you with the best service for you: help.justiceconnect.org.au

04.01.2022 Our offices will be closed from today, 24th of December until the 4th of January. During this time, we will not be reviewing applications for assistance, answering phone calls or checking messages. We look forward to continuing to make the law work for good in the new year, and we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday period.

03.01.2022 The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Health Care Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the delivery of health programs and services within SESLHD. We're proud to have won an award this year, in the category of Integrated Value Based Care for our Health Justice Partnership at Uniting War Memorial Hospital. Health Justice Partnerships are when a lawyer is embedded in a healthcare setting to reach out to people who may need legal help and not know it.... Many people view legal problems as life problems. They may not be able to afford a lawyer, or they may not know they need a lawyer in the first place. Instead, theyre more likely to talk to someone they trust, like their doctor, nurse, or physio. Read more about how Health Justice Partnerships could help you or a loved one in the link below.

02.01.2022 We need your voice! Do you register and comply with current fundraising regulations on behalf of your not for profit or charity? We want to hear what it's like for you. Please take a 5 minute survey and help us #FixFundraising and reform Australia's outdated system of fundraising regulation.... Add your voice now before 16 April: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JVGZVTN Your voice will support us push for meaningful reform that will create a single national scheme for the regulation for charitable fundraising, and hold states and territories to account for the current dysfunctional system.

01.01.2022 Our NFP Law team is running a free webinar next week, covering the legal basics for not-for-profits, including legal structures available, basics of charity status and tax concessions, and key steps you may need to know if you're starting out or need to refresh. Join the event and feel free to share amongst your networks!

01.01.2022 We've updated our Victorian Emergency Powers resource to reflect the Stage 4 Lockdown and State of Disaster. The rules differ based on where in Victoria you are. You can find more info on our website.