Operational Legal Australia in Wollongong, New South Wales | Legal

Operational Legal Australia

Locality: Wollongong, New South Wales

Phone: +61 1300 185 196

Address: 110 - 114 Crown Street Wollongong, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.olegalaustralia.com.au

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25.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia now has pay online option. Check out below: https://www.olegalaustralia.com.au/payments

25.01.2022 OLA is excited to be supporting this initiative between the Veteran Community Business Chamber and the Princes Trust Australia. Its about getting the whole community to support veterans and their families by supporting veteran owned businesses. Individuals, Companies and Ex-Service Organisations should look at engaging veteran businesses rather than supporting large corporations that do not give back to the Veteran community.... Every veteran owned business was started by someone who had pulled on a uniform and served their nation and community. People say they respect veterans and those in the ADF. Well perhaps a better way of showing support is not just by buying a badge or sticker to support veterans but engage a veteran business to do your work. Veteran businesses are more loyal, adaptable, trustworthy and we know veterans employ veterans. So #buyveteran and support veterans today.

25.01.2022 Yesterday Mick Bainbridge of Operational Legal Australia participated in a hearing by the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade. Mick provided a joint submission with Glenn Kolomeitz of Cardinal Strategic. Both Mick and Glenn addressed Senators about issues with Veteran Advocacy and funding. Operational Legal Australia will always push for greater reform and support for veterans. ... #veteranshelpingveterans #veteranowned #veteranlawfirm #justice

25.01.2022 With our cease and desist letter to Santa this year, OLA can confirm you’ll all be on the nice list! What a big year it’s been for OLA...we’ve wrapped it up for 2020 but we’ll be back on the 11th January 2021. We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you all stay safe and have a fantastic holiday break! We’ll see you all next year! ... We hope the blokes out there were like Mick and got in early...no need to worry, you have a few more hours to go! Don’t hesitate to leave us any legal queries and we will get back to you when we return! [email protected]

23.01.2022 Today we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day. A day where ‘We Will Remember’ those who served their community and lost their lives. Operational Legal Australia has many clients who are serving Police Officers and we pay our respects to those who keep our community safe everyday. Let’s pause today and remember them.

22.01.2022 Are you prepared for the unexpected? Who will make decisions for you when you can no longer make them? Want to make sure your wishes are carried out when you have passed? With a Will, Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship you can plan for your future. Operational Legal Australia has got you covered with competitive prices and a team of experienced lawyers to help you through. We understand that these are trying times and therefore are offering great discounts for Veter...ans, ADF, Health Professionals, Emergency Services, and Aged Pensioners. Find our prices in the comments section! Contact us today 1300 185 196 or send an email to [email protected]

22.01.2022 Did you know that Operational Legal Australia is able to provide affordable and timely business law advice and services in a range of areas, such as: - Buying & Selling Businesses - Commercial Agreements - Contractor Arrangements... - Employment Agreements - Consumer Law - Franchises - Joint Ventures - Leases - Loan Agreements - Partnerships - Companies - Charities - Mergers & Acquisitions - Trusts - Complex Property for Businesses - Structuring - Governance & Due Diligence - Subdivision - Construction Contact us today on 1300 185 196 for further information or send an email to [email protected]

20.01.2022 Mick Bainbridge (Director & Solicitor at OLA) is proudly supporting Legacy by wearing a legacy badge on Badge Day. Mick is a former Special Forces Commando. Mick is a supporter of legacy as they help families left behind. Everyone in the OLA office is wearing a Legacy Badge today to show their support for this valuable charity. Covid-19 has been difficult for many Ex-Service Organisations like Legacy who we normally see out and about selling badges. ... You can reach out to your local Legacy Club or you can go online to www.legacy.com.au to find out how to purchase a badge or merchandise. #veteranshelpingveterans #veteranownedbusiness #legacy #charity

20.01.2022 Today, Special Counsel Glenn Kolomeitz and Solicitor Jacinta Harmer attended Court to represent a serving member of the ADF. We applied to the Court for a section 32 for our veteran client. A section 32 is a diversionary program that can take appropriate people out of the criminal justice system and into treatment for their mental health related conditions. In the case of veterans, offending may have been contributed to by service related injuries, such as mental health co...nditions. OLA had a fantastic outcome for our veteran client in Court today! The Magistrate recognised the need for considering a section 32 for veterans with service related mental health injuries. If you require assistance with a matter, please reach out to us...we can help. Call us on 1300 185 196

18.01.2022 We know that dealing with police can be daunting, especially when faced with the need for a police interview. We have put together a Soldier’s 5 for dealing with police interviews. You have the right to remain silent, however you must give your name and address; if you don’t you may be liable for a $220 fine. You have a right to know what you are arrested for. Always avoid participating in a police interview or giving any statement in writing or orally until you’ve received... legal advice. Police are trained in how to get admissions out of people, and anything you say or do may be used as evidence in court. We think it is important for people to have legal representation so that they can ensure the best outcomes for themselves. Ask to call a lawyer. Ask to call a friend or family member so that they are aware of where you are and can be a support person. For current serving members of the ADF you cannot be ordered to participate in a police interview. If you ever find yourself in this position or you require legal assistance please call OLA on 1300 185 196.

18.01.2022 A number of notices have gone out to current and former members of Special Operations regarding the alleged incidents in Afghanistan. It has come to our attention that some members involved have received these notices and do not have legal representation, or are hesitant to get legal assistance. If this applies to you or anyone you have served with, please get in touch. Mick Bainbridge, former Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Task Group Lawyer Glenn Kol...omeitz have teamed up to provide specialised legal representation for members who require it, including witnesses. OLA have a team of former serving members ready to assist you. Here at OLA we understand the need to have truly independent legal advice. We’ll make sure you don’t get hung out to dry! If you or anyone you know is served a notice contact OLA on 1300 185 196, or send an email to [email protected] We have a bias for action and we’ve got you covered!

17.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia working with Cardinal Strategic to help seafarers.

17.01.2022 Can you sue a country for covering up a pandemic? This is the question international lawyers are grappling with, after a handful of legal cases and petitions have been filed in courts around the world seeking to make the Peoples Republic of China pay for the global economic and health devastation caused by COVID-19. See story below from the Law Society of NSW Journal... https://lsj.com.au//legal-threat-or-mere-puff-groups-are-/

17.01.2022 Former Commando, now lawyer Mick Bainbridge and Former Military Prosecutor, Glenn Kolomeitz team up to provide legal representation to those accused of war crimes. Operational Legal Australia is not like any other law firm in Australia. We have a team of lawyers who served in the military and understand the complexities of war fighting. We also have access to highly experienced Lawyers and Counsel who can provide quality legal representation in all types of legal matters. OL...A understands that notices will be served on current and former soldiers (as reported in newspapers today - see below). If you or anyone you know is served a notice please contact OLA on 1300 185 196 or send an email to [email protected]. (Source pic: Sunday Telegraph, 31 May 20)

17.01.2022 Coroner calls for Department of Veterans Affairs to be subject to independent audit of veterans' complaints Key points: - Coroner recommends DVA be subject to independent audits of handling veterans compensation claims;... - The coroner was investigating the death of veteran Jesse Bird, who had lost a permanent impairment compensation claim; - Mr Bird suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse. A Victorian coroner has recommended the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) be subject to independent audits of its handling of veterans' compensation claims following an inquest into the suicide of army veteran Jesse Bird. Coroner Hawkins found that DVA had acted contrary to policy and legislation and that it handled Mr Bird's permanent impairment claim without compassion or empathy, leaving him devastated. "There appeared to be a lack of care, attention and proactive support, leaving Jesse with the belief that the only choice he had was to give up," the Coroner said. She also called for the compensation process for veterans to be simplified. https://mobile.abc.net.au//jesse-bird-coroner-in/12118322

17.01.2022 For those seeking an Advocate and Pensions officer for injuries sustained in the ADF please note that Illawarra Veterans Entitlements Service will not conduct face-to-face appointments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. See update below

16.01.2022 Today the Veteran Community Business Chamber has been launched! Operational Legal Australia is proud to be a Corporate Partner of the VCBC. Unleash the potential of the Veteran Community through entrepreneurship.... VCBC is the leading organisation for supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses in the military community. Check out details below at link: https://vcbc.org.au/

16.01.2022 Mick Bainbridge of OLA is this year supporting awareness about mental health on RUOK? Day which is being held this Thursday. Mick has joined forces with FDC Construction & Fitout, who are supporting RUOK? Day. Below and attached is more info about RUOK? Day and also a story on Mick and his own experiences. Every year, one in five Australians experience mental illness. Every day, six people die by suicide the leading cause of death for Australians aged 25 44. Were livin...g in the grip of a mental health crisis and yet the stigma remains. At FDC, were passionate about supporting mental health, and promoting the message that its ok to not be ok. Below, three people connected to the FDC family share their stories of mental adversity, proving that even in darkness, its possible to find the light. It takes strength to be vulnerable, and having someone to talk to can be the difference between succumbing and surviving. You dont have to be an expert to reach out just ask, R U OK?, and listen closely to the answer. If inspiring a conversation or forging a connection can save even one life, it will have been worth it. https://www.fdcbuilding.com.au/ruok/

16.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia is committed to still providing legal services to our clients and the community. Covid-19 has presented many challenges. However, OLA is adapting to working in a pandemic. Whilst the Courts may be closed in most jurisdictions, legal work still needs to be done.... If you require legal assistance please send an email to [email protected] or call us on 1300 185 196.

15.01.2022 Job Opportunity EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL & PROPERTY LAW LAWYER Operational Legal Australia is looking for a full time lawyer with at least 5 years post admission experience in commercial and property law work. The position is based in Wollongong but the work can be performed remotely.... The successful applicant will be dynamic, hard working, easy to get along with, have a flair for business and a good common sense approach to the law. Applications should be forwarded to: Attention: Josh Bignell, Director and Chairperson Via email: [email protected] Applications close on Friday, 28 August 2020 at 5 pm. https://www.seek.com.au/job/50355689

15.01.2022 We are seeing an increase of ‘Revenge Porn’ cases in the media! With further development of social media; and the digital age we need to be aware of what constitutes a crime. It is never ok to share intimate photos of another without their consent! Revenge porn cases in recent times have not only cost the accused their professions and reputations, but have caused significant and irreparable damage to victims. There are very limited defences to revenge porn offences and t...he Courts will hand down heavy punishments to stamp out these types of crimes. Be smart, don’t share intimate photographs without consent...better yet, destroy them and be digitally aware. If you need legal assistance call OLA on 1300 185 196 See more

14.01.2022 The team at OLA headed to Corrimal RSL today to pay their respects for Remembrance Day. Today and every day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

14.01.2022 Some amendments have enabled the use of technology to allow for witnessing of certain legal documents. OLA is committed to making legal services more accessible and affordable. We are working on some law tech that will make it easier for our clients, especially those in remote areas.... OLA will advise our clients and the community soon on what legal services we will be able to provide remotely. See the link below for more general information on the changes in NSW. https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au//covid-19.-video-tech-for-witne

14.01.2022 Times are tough and the Covid-19 is impacting our community and veterans. For those currently serving in the Navy you can seek financial assistance from their Trust Fund. They have rules and guidelines but may help those in need during these times.... See below for details: https://www.keepingwatch.org.au/

12.01.2022 Solicitor and Director, Mick Bainbridge took part in @fdc_group article discussing mental health and R U OK? Day. Mick is an avid supporter of mental health. As a former Special Forces Commando, Mick experienced PTSD as a result of his service. However, he has forged a new path as a Solicitor at Operational Legal Australia. Mental Health is a living and breathing thing. Get outside, speak to your friends and professionals, immerse yourself in things you love; keep an open ...mind. These are the things that give us a healthy and happy life You can read Micks article, along with others who have shared their journey with mental health here: https://www.fdcbuilding.com.au/ruok/ As Veterans and lawyers, the staff at OLA know that mental health does not discriminate across gender, employment, age or race. At OLA, we are committed to positive wellbeing and mental health. Drop a mate a line, catch up for a coffee or send a text; today and on other days.

11.01.2022 Has the Australian Defence Force or another Government Agency (including an individual within that organisation) made a decision that caused you financial loss, injury, or harm then you may be able to claim compensation. Legal liability Is where the Government Agency is legally liable to compensate you. You will need to show all of the following: - did they owe a legal duty of care to you;... - did they breach that duty of care; - did you suffer a loss or disadvantage because of the breach; - is there a reasonable connection between the breach and the loss or disadvantage suffered. Defective administration Is where theres no legal right to compensation. However, the Government will consider whether they can compensate you under the Scheme for Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (the CDDA Scheme). You will need to show all of the following: - was the administration defective; - did you suffer a loss or detriment as a result; - could they reasonably have expected you would suffer the loss or detriment as a result. OLA is able to assist you in your claims. Please contact OLA today on 1300 185 196 or [email protected]

09.01.2022 For those with veteran compensation claims and looking for help with DVA claims and entitlements please check out Illawarra Veteran Entitlements Service

08.01.2022 ALERT - Medical Negligence If anyone has or knows of someone who may have undertaken any medical drug trials whilst in the Australian Defence Force and suffered as a result please contact Operational Legal Australia. Also if anyone believes they may have suffered medical negligence whilst in the Defence Force then please contact OLA. This may include a decision by a Medical Officer that adversely affected your health or affected your employment within the ADF.... Phone 1300 185 196 or send us an email [email protected]

08.01.2022 RSL NSW sub-Branch - News OLA has been engaged by many sub-Branches to provide legal advice on whether they should become an incorporated entity. OLA is doing this service for free (pro bono) for sub-Branches. We are a proud veteran owned law firm.... RSL NSW has just released draft model Constitutions (see link below). OLA will only charge fees for work shall a sub-Branch decide to incorporate. Our fees are lower than any other law firm. By engaging OLA you are helping veterans. If you are a member of a RSL NSW sub-Branch and want to know more, please contact OLA on 1300 185 196 or send us an email [email protected] https://www.rslnsw.org.au//model-constitutions-for-sub-bra

08.01.2022 Have you been injured at work? (applies to workers in NSW who come under the Workers Compensation Act NSW) Permanent Impairment payments Section 66 of the Workers Compensation Act (NSW) provides for a lump sum payment of compensation if a work-related injury results in the worker suffering permanent impairment. The Act provides guidance as to the amount of... compensation payable depending on the percentage degree of permanent impairment and the date of the relevant injury. In respect of physical injuries lump sum compensation is payable where you have sustained a permanent impairment of 1% or more (applies to Police, Fire, Paramedics and certain other workers). In respect of injuries occurring after 1 January 2007, 1% point would entitle you to compensation of $1375. In respect of a physical injury, you will be entitled to receive an additional payment in respect of pain and suffering, once you have sustained a permanent impairment of at least 10%. However, the maximum payable for pain and suffering is $50,000. In those circumstances, a member who has a whole person impairment of, say, 10% is only likely to recover an additional amount for pain and suffering of between say $5000 and $10,000. The amount payable for pain and suffering will increase depending on the seriousness of the injury and the assessment of permanent impairment. You should always seek advice before pursuing a Section 66 compensation claim as it may have an impact on their ability to remain fully operational in the long term. Please contact OLA on 1300 185 196 for further information. [This is not legal advice]

07.01.2022 Support the Anzac Appeal - all proceeds go to RSL. Download single by Kevin Sullivan (Ex-cop) who has written a song about ANZAC Day.

07.01.2022 Jacinta has finalised OLAs submission to the National Commissioner for veteran and Defence suicide prevention. Jacinta is a junior solicitor and a former Sailor in the Royal Australian Navy. Jacinta has a strong passion for family and criminal law, veteran advocacy, international and administration law. She works hard on developing our social media presence, capturing all Mick’s good angles....which is harder than it sounds. She has been very vocal in the veteran space and ...works hard to protect the interests of veterans. When she’s not at OLA, she’s undertaking her Masters of Laws at the Australian National University. Jacinta prides herself on empathy, understanding and zealous advocacy; as well as getting results. OLA pride themselves on diversity, supporting a fantastic young female veteran, who is positively contributing to the veteran community. If you have any questions or need some sound legal advice, call the team at OLA on 1300 185 196

07.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia understand the four dimensional space of war. If you have been impacted by the IGADF Inquiry into the alleged war crimes, get in touch. Mick Bainbridge, a former Special Forces Operator understands your needs. We have a dedicated team to support those impacted by this report and it’s findings. We are independent and experienced with this area of law and environment. We’ve got your six!

07.01.2022 Glenn Kolomeitz has had close to 30 years service in Permanent and Reserve capacities in both commissioned and non-commissioned roles. He has held multiple roles, including deploying as a Legal Officer with the Special Operations Task Group. Glenn believes in giving back by representing and advising Veterans and current serving ADF members with their legal matters. Having navigated his own transition and repatriation process through DVA, he understands the impact involveme...nt with the legal system can have on the health and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in arms. Glenn consults OLA as Special Counsel in a wide range of high-profile cases, including mental-health and criminal matters. The reality is that Veterans with mental health conditions can, and do, get caught up in the criminal justice system as a result of PTSD and related mental health injuries service caused the conditions and the conditions contributed to alleged offending. Glenn has acted for more than 200 Veterans that have come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of PTSD. However, there are no current statistics or methods for capturing these statistics of how many more Veterans are coming into contact with the criminal justice system and are unrepresented. We are great advocates for, and have had enormous success in arguing for, diversionary programs getting veterans out of the criminal justice system and into treatment. We continue to lobby Government for legislative change recognising the vulnerability, for Veterans with mental health concerns before the court. If you need representation or have questions about legal matters, get in touch!

07.01.2022 Last night the team at OLA (and our bosses Tilly & Mason, Mick’s children) participated in Exercise Stone Pillow, the back yard sleep out to raise awareness of the risk of homelessness in the Veteran Community. Mick was in his element sleeping rough, however the former Sailor was not a fan. There are no specific statistics as to how many Veterans are homeless, however it is estimated that it is above 5800. There are a number of factors which contribute to Veteran homelessnes...s, most relating to mental health and financial reasons. If you or someone you know is in this situation, reach out.

06.01.2022 Special Counsel Glenn Kolomeitz and Solicitor/Director Mick Bainbridge of Operational Legal Australia caught up with @greg_warren_mp today to discuss the importance of Veteran Advocacy. Thank you for having us!

06.01.2022 LOBBYING: STATE & COMMONWEALTH OLA understands that not every solution for our clients involves going to court. OLA has qualified lawyers who are registered lobbyists within NSW and the Commonwealth.... Our staff are able to speak with Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and Government Departments to assist you. We have established broad political networks that ensure our clients can be heard. OLA is committed to being transparent and ethical in our dealings with Government. OLA staff are professional and highly effective in communication. We are able to assist you in developing a proposal and presenting it to the relevant Minister or Department. Whether you are a business (large or small), an individual, a charity or community group OLA can help you. If you have any questions on our lobbying services, please contact us today to speak with one of our highly qualified staff. Call 1300 185 196 or send an email to [email protected]

06.01.2022 The Australian Government is establishing a National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention which will inquire into the deaths by suicide of serving and former ADF members. The National Commissioner will work to identify and understand systemic issues and other contributing factors that may contribute to the suicide risks of serving and former ADF members; and subsequently make recommendations about actions and strategies to prevent future deaths by suicide.... Australians have the opportunity to consider the legislation that has been put forward and give feedback. Submission deadlines are on the 24 September 2020. Operational Legal Australia will be offering assistance to individuals and organisations that would like to put a submission forward. If you would like assistance, contact us here or at [email protected] for more information.

05.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia was established by veterans to help veterans. Whether they are military veterans or first responder veterans. By engaging Operational Legal Australia you are able to help us assist veterans in a pro bono capacity where possible. Our lawyers have given a large amount of time and assistance to many veterans and this includes Ex-Service Organisations such as RSL NSW sub-Branches.... OLA is helping many of these RSL NSW sub-Branches to determine if they should reduce the risks of liability of being an Unincorporated Association, and becoming either an Incorporated Association or a Company Limited by Guarantee. This initial service has been on a pro bono (free service agreement) basis. Our clients are proud members of RSL NSW and like the founders of OLA, have served this nation with pride. If you belong to an organisation that is community based and concerned about your individual liability, which as an Unincorporated Association you are personally liable, then contact OLA today via [email protected] or call Mick Bainbridge on 1300 185 196.

05.01.2022 Are you a landlord or tenant? Operational Legal Australia is awaiting the release of more details that will impact on residential and commercial lease arrangements. If you are a landlord or tenant and impacted by these new arrangements then please contact OLA on 1300 185 196.

03.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia likes to support veteran businesses. Guardian Investigations is a private investigator & process server business that is owned and run by Daniel Low (former Navy and Police Veteran). Whether your a business or individual that needs assistance in services offered by Guardian Investigations get in touch with them. (See pic below for details)

01.01.2022 We will be introducing some of the team at Operational Legal. First up is Mick Bainbridge, Solicitor and Director of Operational Legal Australia. Mick is a former Special Forces Green Beret Commando, having served five operational tours; four in Afghanistan and 1 in Timor. Hes even lived with a War Lord! Mick has also modelled for Archibald Prize Winner, Ben Quilty. Mick discharged from the ADF in 2016 after starting to study a double degree in Law and Commerce at the Uni...versity of Wollongong. During his time at Uni, he became the youngest ever state Vice President for the NSW RSL. Hes been paving the way for change in the Veteran sphere through advocacy and creating better business opportunities for veterans. Mick and OLA helped to further advance the success of transitioned veterans by setting up the Veteran Community Business Chamber (VCBC). The VCBC is designed to assist veteran businesses in their journey to success. Mick became a lawyer because he felt that the profession needed to do more to help people in the community, especially the Veteran community. Enjoy this #throwback to Micks Commando days! If you have a legal issue or matter you need help with, please call OLA or drop in for a coffee.

01.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia is a proud veteran owned business. ANZAC Day is a significant day for Australians and especially Veterans. Veterans Mick and Paul who founded Operational Legal Australia will be commemorating ANZAC Day differently in 2020 due to Covid-19. They ask that everyone take time to remember those who fought and served their nation.... #LightUpTheDawn #LestWeForget

01.01.2022 Operational Legal Australia understands that Covid-19 is impacting many of our current serving and former serving veterans. The Bravery Trust is a charity that provide financial assistance to those in need. You can also help veterans in need by donating to the Bravery Trust.... Check out the link below https://braverytrust.org.au