Part 1

Induction A guide to working kit in the NSW CLC sector 2nd Edition

1 CLCNSW induction kit Induction Kit: A guide to working in the NSW CLC sector 1st edition August 2009 2nd edition May 2010 Published in by Community Legal Centres NSW Inc. ABN 22 149 415 148

Notes • The information contained in Part 6: NACLC Insurance Schemes is sourced from National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC) with thanks. • Information pertaining to other organisations referred to within this publication has been obtained from the websites of those organisations. • Photos sourced from CLCs in NSW and reproduced with thanks. © Community Legal Centres NSW Inc. 2010 You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with this work for any purpose, provided that you attribute Community Legal Centres NSW Inc. as the owner. However, you must obtain permission if you wish to (1) charge others for access to the work (other than at cost) (2) include the work in advertising or a product for sale or (3) modify the work. ISBN: 978-0-9806891-1-2 Acknowledgements Text: Robin Banks, Anna Hartree, Joanna Mantziaris, Alastair McEwin, Grainne Murphy, Amanda Smithers Design: Armedia Printing: Freehills Disclaimer This kit is for general information purposes only. Community Legal Centres NSW Inc. disclaims all liability for errors or omissions of any kind whatsoever, or for any loss or damage, in whole or in part, arising from any person relying on any information in this publication. contact us

C17, 99 Jones Street Ultimo NSW 2007 T: (02) 9212 7333 F: (02) 9212 7332 W: www.clcnsw.org.au E: [email protected]

2 CLCNSW induction kit Part 1 contents

Part 1 What are Community Legal Centres? 4

Part 2 Community Legal Services Program 13

Part 3 Other Major CLC Funding Streams 14

Part 4 The Legal Assistance Sector in NSW 16

Part 5 Other Key Agencies and Organisations 21

Part 6 NACLC Insurance Schemes 27

Part 7 Bulletin Board System (BBS) 30

Part 8 Resources and Supports Available for CLCs 31

Part 9 Centre Specific Information 33

Part 10 Acronyms and Terms 34

Appendix 1 Coordinator’s/Director’s Checklist 40

Appendix 2 New Staff Notification Form 42

3 CLCNSW induction kit Part 1 What are Community Legal Centres?

Community legal centres (CLCs) are the strength and depth of the relationships n Independent community organisations we have with other local organisations and providing free legal advice and related individuals within communities. services to people and communities CLCs provide legal services to individuals facing economic, social or cultural and also undertake: disadvantage n Community development n Accredited by a national peak body, n Community legal education (CLE) National Association of Community Legal n Law reform projects based on client need Centres (NACLC). that are preventative in outcome and strengthen the community they serve. There are now 200 CLCs throughout Australia, with 39 CLCs in urban, regional, Hundreds of volunteer solicitors, barristers, rural and remote locations in New South law students and other people work with CLC Wales offering legal advice and assistance staff to provide legal services which assist, to local people living in the geographic inform and advise people with problems catchment area. which, if left unattended, can and do develop CLCs are distinguished from other legal into legal issues which may then also need service providers by our ability to respond intervention and/or representation. to evolving needs in the communities we All CLCs are committed to collaboration serve. We can offer effective and creative with government, the Commissions solutions to legal problems based on our in each state and territory, the private legal direct experience within communities and on profession and our community partners to ensure the best outcomes for our clients, and integrity of the system of justice in Australia. CLC success stories Our work is funded from a variety of sources including state and federal Over the years, CLCs in NSW have taken on high-profile public interest governments and philanthropic organisations; test cases and class actions, some of which have resulted in changes to about 20 CLCs receive little or no funding and the legal system. These include: are staffed entirely by volunteers. n Securing damages for a six year old with spina bifida who was denied What Community Legal enrolment at a school because of her disability Centres do n Winning cases against the NSW Government’s failed Home Fund housing scheme CLCs offer a range of legal and related services that include, but are not limited to: n Winning a major case against the State Bank when it was discovered n Information that a number of their loan contracts were not legal n Appropriate referral to other agencies n Securing record compensation against Katies for women from a non- n Advice on legal matters English speaking background for employment discrimination n Legal casework and representation in n Conducting Fiji’s first successful Hague Convention Case – i.e. taking targeted areas of law n legal action in Fiji seeking recovery of an Australian child who had Community legal education and training n been taken by their parent out of Australia, in contravention of Family Participation in law reform, and public Court orders. policy development and advocacy.

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Services are usually offered for free this includes areas such as credit and debt, (although some fee-based training is , welfare rights, mental delivered by CLCs to help cover costs) health, disability discrimination, tenancy, and are designed to ensure high levels of immigration, employment, the arts, refugees, accessibility e.g. legal advice may be provided women, and older persons. Although mostly by telephone; interviews and advice sessions situated in Sydney, they provide services may be provided after hours or via outreach. throughout NSW. There are two types of CLCs: generalist and specialist. For a full list of CLCs in Australia Philosophy see http://www.naclc.org.au/directory. CLCs developed out of a concern that many people in the community were prevented Generalist Community Legal Centres from accessing legal assistance because of In NSW generalist CLCs are located across cost or other barriers. the state, offering confidential legal advice The founders of the CLC movement and assistance on a range of issues including: recognised that many legal problems n Accidents and compensation stemmed from, or are exacerbated by, social n Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and economic disadvantage or exclusion and n Banking and finance can have enormous impact on many aspects n Children and young people of peoples’ lives, beyond the need to resolve n Consumer rights an immediate legal issue. This still holds true n Crime today. n Employment CLCs therefore developed with a philosophy n Environment of holistic and accessible service provision n and relationships and the need to be pro-active in addressing n Health the root causes of the legal problems n Housing people experience. This has resulted in the n Human rights development of multi-disciplinary teams n Neighbours within CLCs, which may include community n Social services, welfare and Centrelink development workers, social workers, , n Transport researchers and educators. n Wills and estates. Some key milestones Some generalist CLCs will also offer n Fitzroy Legal Centre opened in specialist advice in areas such as tenancy, Melbourne on 18 December 1972 child support, welfare rights, immigration, n Springvale Legal Service, the St Kilda property and development, or they target Legal Service and Broadmeadows Legal their services to a specific community such Service all began in 1973 focusing on as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander providing free legal services by volunteers Peoples, children and young people, women, to their local areas older people, refugees, prisoners, the n The first Aboriginal Legal Services was homeless, gay and lesbian people and other established in 1974 by the Federal groups. Government, and the Australian Legal The decision to provide such services may Aid Office opened (and survived until be due to targeted funding, or made by the December 1975) CLC Management Committee in response n In NSW, opened in to a specific demographic or need identified March 1977. within the local community. In 1979: Specialist Community Legal Centres n The Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 Specialist CLCs concentrate on a particular (NSW) established what is now known as area of law or target a specific group. They Legal Aid NSW offer advice, assistance and legal education n Redfern CLC organised the first CLC to individuals and organisations. In NSW annual conference

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n The first Commonwealth funding grants – total $175,000 – were made to CLCs The National Association of following representation from , Community Legal Centres NSW, Queensland and South Australia (NACLC) CLCs in drawing up Federal funding NACLC is the association (and peak body) guidelines. of state-based community legal centre organisations in Australia representing Subsequently, there has been a period of approximately 200 members. dynamic growth and CLCs have increased The Association was established for the in number and diversity, often as a local public charitable purposes of assisting community initiative to meet need, or by disadvantaged and marginalised people in accessing available targeted funding for the Australian community to obtain access to specific projects (e.g. the Justice Statement legal services by: CLCs funded in regional areas of Australia in n Supporting and assisting CLCs to provide the early 1990s). these services History of your centre n Providing a national forum for CLCs n Developing and coordinating national It is extremely useful for all CLC staff to CLC policy have an understanding of the history of the n Advancing the interests of CLCs within establishment and development of their Australia. CLC. Useful places to start are annual reports, funding reports, and commemorative NACLC is funded primarily through publications to mark milestone anniversaries. contributions from member CLCs and self- Staff could also talk to long-standing staff, generated income. It also receives some management committee members and project funding from the Federal Attorney- volunteers for information. General’s Department and other bodies.

Further information NACLC’s Structure Giddings, J (1998) (ed), Legal Aid in NACLC is a federation of the peak CLC bodies Victoria: at the Crossroads Again, Fitzroy in each state. Legal Service, Victoria Each state nominates a representative; Neal, D. (1984) (ed), On tap, not on top: together they form NACLC’s governing body, legal centres in Australia 1972-1982 Legal the Management Committee, which meets Service Bulletin Co-operative, Victoria four times annually, and holds telephone Federation of Community Legal Centres conferences between the face-to-face (Vic) and Legal Aid Commission of Victoria meetings. (1990) Workit: Community Legal Centres The NACLC Management Committee Worker & Management Kit, Legal Aid provides strategic direction for, and oversees Commission of Victoria, Melbourne the management of, the National Office. The work of NACLC is directed by the Management Committee within the priorities set out in the Association’s strategic plan and is primarily undertaken by NACLC staff and the NACLC Convenor (an elected position). State representatives assist in: n Developing NACLC policy n Liaising with national networks of NACLC n Organising the annual National CLC Conference.

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The NSW NACLC state representative is an elected member of the Community Peak CLC Associations in Legal Centres NSW (CLCNSW) Board and Australia (NACLC Members): represents the views of CLCNSW to NACLC. n Community Legal Centres NSW (CLCNSW) http://www.clcnsw.org.au NACLC contact details n Australian Capital Territory Association of Phone: (02) 9264 9595 Community Legal Centres (ACTACLC) Fax: (02) 9264 9594 n Association of Email: [email protected] Community Legal Centres (NTACLC) Website: http://www.naclc.org.au/ n Queensland Association of Independent Post: PO Box A2245 Legal Services (QAILS) Sydney South NSW 1235 http://www.qails.org.au n South Australian Council of Community Staff Positions at NACLC: Legal Services (SACCLS) Executive Director http://www.saccls.org.au Administrator & Insurance n Tasmanian Association of Community Legal Policy and Projects Offi cer Centres (TACLC) Financial Offi cer n Federation of Community Legal Centres National Conference Administration (Victoria) Conference organiser http://www.communitylaw.org.au BBS Administrator n Community Legal Centres Association BBS Accounts (WA) Inc CLSIS Consultant http://www.communitylaw.net NACLC National Conference There has been an annual NACLC Community Legal Centres conference since 1979, providing an NSW Inc. important opportunity for CLC staff to get together and learn from each other, hear from Community Legal Centres NSW Inc inspirational and interesting speakers and (CLCNSW) is the peak body representing the recharge their batteries. network of CLCs throughout NSW. The National CLC conference attracts A full list of members is available in approximately 300-350 delegates from the brochure Community Legal Centres Australia and New Zealand. People attend NSW (pictured) – download from from all major capital cities and surrounding http://www.clcnsw.org/publications or suburbs and from regional, rural and remote contact state offi ce. areas. The conference rotates annually CLCNSW works on issues around states and territories. of concern to CLC clients and communities and represents the CLC network to government and other sectors. Much of this work is developed through sub-committees and networks; for example the Practice and Indemnity Insurance (PII) Committee monitors issues which affect CLC legal practice; and the Community Legal Education Worker (CLEW) Network brings together community education workers to share resources and training ideas.

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Structure of Community Legal Centres NSW

Community Legal Centres that are members of CLCNSW

CLCNSW Meetings Annual General Meeting Representatives of each member centre meet quarterly

CLCNSW BOARD Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Treasurer Secretary State Representative to NACLC Law Reform & Policy Committee Convenor Sector Development Convenor RRR representative Practice & Insurance Committee Convenor Aboriginal Advisory Group Representative Four general committee members LAC Commissioner (and alternate) (ex officio) State Office Director (ex officio)

State Office

State Office Finance State Office Staffing Subcommittee Learning and Development Subcommittee (Chair, 2 Board members, Director) Subcommittee (Treasurer, (1 Board member, Finance Officer, 1 other CLC member, Director, Chair) Director Director, L&D Coordinator) State Office Staff Meeting

Permanent Committees Other CLCNSW committees/working groups, networks Law Reform and Policy Committee CLEW Sector Development Committee Administrators Practice and Insurance Committee Casework Committees RRR Network (e.g. Human Rights, Aboriginal Advisory Group DV, VCT, Discrimination, etc)

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on any major policies or strategic directions Governance of CLCNSW which will affect CLCNSW members or CLCs The CLCNSW Board has oversight of the in general, including a major departure from activities of CLCNSW through its 3-year established sector-wide policies or strategies. strategic plan and is ultimately responsible for all actions (or omissions) carried out in The Quarterlies the name of CLCNSW, whether the actions These are the regular meetings of the CLCs are taken by CLCNSW State Office staff, in NSW held, as the name suggests, four contractors, volunteers or Board members. times a year across a two-day period. This is CLCNSW has incorporated within the where the CLCNSW Board, sub-committees, delegation system checks and balances, working groups and networks meet around which ensure the organisation operates different issues relevant to CLC work. without exposure to unacceptable risks. The CLCNSW General Meeting is held at There are 17 positions on the CLCNSW the end of the second day enabling staff from Board: all CLCs to discuss issues affecting CLCNSW n 14 positions are elected at the AGM by and CLCs. the member Centres. People who are It is a CLCNSW requirement that all employees or management committee member CLCs attend the General Meeting members of CLCs in NSW are eligible for and the Principal Solicitor (or his/her nomination to the Board. delegate) of each centre attend the Practice n The CLC Legal Aid Commissioner, and Indemnity Insurance (PII) committee the Alternate Legal Aid Commissioner meeting. and State Office Director are ex officio Training and information sessions, as well members of the Board. as workshops, are organised by the CLCNSW Learning and Development Co-ordinator The Board currently has four committees during, and often immediately after, the that carry out specific functions of CLCNSW Quarterlies. and report to the Board: The Quarterlies are crucial to information n Staffing sub-committee sharing and networking amongst staff doing n Finance sub-committee the same things in different CLCs. All staff n Learning and Development from each Centre, where possible, are sub-committee encouraged to attend meetings that relate to n Aboriginal Legal Access Program their work. steering committee. Sub-committees, working groups The Role of CLCNSW members and networks The Rules and Objectives of CLCNSW set out The following groups meet at the CLCNSW the constitution and powers of the CLCNSW Quarterlies unless otherwise specified. as a member-based organisation. Decisions are made by the members of Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) CLCNSW in a General Meeting. The Rules The AAG is open to all Aboriginal and Torres and Objects set out key decisions that must Strait Islander staff in CLCs. It meets to be made by the membership, which include discuss, and advise the CLCNSW Board on, but are not limited to: issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander n Changes to the rules and objects staff and clients. The AAG also has an email n Winding up i.e. closure list on the BBS. n Approval of Annual Report and audited financial statement Administrators/Finance n Final decision as to admission of new Officers Working Group members. The group is open to CLC staff who are responsible for the administration and In addition, members meeting in a General financial management of their Centre. Meeting have the ultimate power to decide This includes Coordinators, Administrators,

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Accountants, Bookkeepers and Finance There are also active law reform working Officers. The group discusses a range of groups working on specific areas, such issues including CLSIS, insurance, tax, as the Indigenous Rights Working Group. wages, superannuation, fringe benefits, See also the Domestic Violence / Victims funding and related policies and procedures. Compensation Sub-Committee (see above). Community Legal Education Workers Rural, Regional and Remote Network (CLEW) Network (RRR) The CLEW network is open to all staff, These meetings are open to all interested providing an opportunity to share community workers and discuss issues specific to CLCs legal education and training activities. outside the greater Sydney region. Co-ordinators and Directors/Sector To contact Convenors of any of these Development (CDSD) groups please call the State Office on (02) 9212 7333. The CDSD committee is open to all staff responsible for managing CLCs. It discusses a range of issues including staffing, funding, The State Office strategic planning and governance. The State Office of CLCNSW aims to be an Domestic Violence Committee & Victims innovative, dynamic and effective provider Compensation Committee (DV/VC) of support services to CLCs in NSW and to assist the CLC movement to achieve equitable This working committee is concerned access to justice for all citizens. State Office with legal issues associated with domestic staff implement, on behalf of the Board, the violence, victims’ compensation and sexual strategies outlined in the CLCNSW strategic assault law. The committee provides a forum plan. to discuss and share updates and changes The State Office provides services to to the law, develop law reform projects and CLCs as a group, and as individual Centres, share case-work issues and practice. in the areas of network maintenance Practice and Indemnity Insurance and development, communications and Committee (PII) information, legal policy development and advocacy, and sector maintenance and This is mandatory for Principal Solicitors; development. every CLC is expected to send their Principal It represents the interests of member CLCs Solicitor (or his/her delegate) to each meeting. in NSW, co-ordinates strategic direction It is responsible for the administration and and development for the sector, liaises and implementation of the national Professional negotiates with government on relevant legal Indemnity Insurance (PII) Scheme. The PII and equity issues, including sector funding convenor(s) represent their state or territory and program issues. on the National PII Network. The committee The State Office’s principles are to: may delegate responsibility to a sub-group. n Promote equitable access for people Law Reform & Policy who are disadvantaged in legal services Sub-Committee (LR&P) markets n Seek to empower CLC clients to assist This committee discusses human rights and themselves and develop their own law reform issues identified by CLCs. The capacities and independence committee provides a forum to discuss ideas, n Promote respect for human rights and share information, and organise collaborative equality efforts with other CLCs around law reform and n Value diversity and difference in legal policy issues. Participants in the committee services may choose to be involved in campaigns and n Work in an open, democratic, submissions on behalf of the CLC sector, and consultative and inclusive way work with the Advocacy & Human Rights n Encourage co-operative and collaborative officer based in the CLCNSW State Office. action among CLCs

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n Give primary focus to the collective access by Aboriginal people to legal services, needs and interests of CLCs rather than increase the numbers of Aboriginal people the needs of individual CLCs receiving legal services, improve and enhance n Use our limited resources wisely the capacity of CLCs to provide effective and n Believe the State Office exists for the culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal enhancement of its client’s interests people, and increase awareness among n Be committed to work practices based Aboriginal people of their legal rights and the on integrity legal services available to them. n Be committed to the professional A key component of the current ALAP is development of the organisation thus a Grants Scheme for CLC projects, which ensuring improved service delivery to endeavour to meet the aims of the ALAP. NSW clients. For 2009/10, CLCNSW awarded grants for the following projects: The clients of the State Office are: n Hawkesbury Nepean CLC Aboriginal n CLCs in NSW as a whole Legal Access Service Program: n Individual CLCs –To deliver services including outreach n Potential new CLCs programs, Community Legal Education (CLE), n Community-based projects providing casework and community development for legal services similar to CLCs. local Aboriginal communities. n Northern Rivers CLC Mirrung Ngu The State Office also has special regard to the Wanjarri Program: needs of: – To undertake family violence work, n Localised communities engage in community consultations, legal n Funding bodies advice and CLE outreaches, and develop n Government funders/purchasers of improved service delivery strategies for services from CLCs local Aboriginal communities. n Clients and potential clients of CLCs n Other non-government organisations concerned with equitable access to justice n The broader community. Current Positions in the CLCNSW State Office Director ALAP Community Development Worker (Aboriginal Legal Access Program) Learning and Development Coordinator (Learning and Development Program) Advocacy and Human Rights Officer (Advocacy and Human Rights Program) Administrator Finance Officer State Office Programs and Services Aboriginal Legal Access Program (ALAP) In December 2006, CLCNSW received funding from the Public Purpose Fund to run the CLCNSW Aboriginal Legal Access Program (ALAP) as a pilot program. ALAP is a state-wide program aiming to ensure better The State Office in Ultimo

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n Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal that staff already have a vast array of skills Centre Creating Spaces Program: and experience and the Learning and – To support Aboriginal women and their Development Program is designed to further children in accessing their legal, social share and enhance these skills. and cultural rights free of sexual abuse The L&D program provides a range of and violence. initiatives, including the following: n Environmental Defender’s Office NSW n Professional development opportunities Caring for Country Project: advertised on the CLCNSW website – To focus on improving the delivery of n Legal and Management training days environmental law services to Aboriginal organised during the year people in NSW. n Access for CLC staff to free places in n Illawarra Legal Centre Aboriginal Legal Legal Aid NSW’s in-house courses and Access Worker Project: four free places a year in the Diploma of – To target the needs of Aboriginal clients Management course run in conjunction with a credit and debt focus. with the University of Technology. n Macarthur Legal Centre Indigenous Legal n Subsidies to RRR CLCs for some training, Outreach Project: travel and accommodation expenses – To facilitate a consultation process to enabling them to participate in training. develop appropriate legal service delivery model for local Indigenous People and For more information contact the Learning provide legal advice and community legal and Development Co-ordinator at the State education to Indigenous people in the Office on(02) 9212 7333. Macarthur region. Advocacy & Human Rights Program n Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Indigenous Legal Access and Violence The Advocacy & Human Rights Program Prevention Project: assists CLCs in NSW to collaborate for social – To provide education to local Aboriginal justice, the promotion of human rights, and communities about legal issues relevant law reform. The Law Reform and Policy to both violence prevention and redress Subcommittee, facilitated by convenors, for victims. discusses and guides the law reform and policy work of CLCNSW. Several topic- The pilot program is funded until 30 specific Working Groups exist, facilitated June 2010. CLCNSW, in conjunction with by convenors. The Law Reform and Policy Legal Aid NSW, is currently reviewing the Subcommittee, and the law reform work of management and framework of the ALAP, CLCNSW in general, is supported by the with the view to establishing a revised Advocacy and Human Rights Officer, based program from July 2010 onwards. in the CLCNSW office. For further information on the ALAP, please The types of activities we may be involved contact the Director at the CLCNSW State in on any particular issue include: Office on 02)( 9212 7333. n Research and publication n Adoption of a public position on the Learning and Development Program matter (L&D) n Preparation of submissions to The Public Purpose Fund has funded the government, law reform bodies and other CLCNSW Learning and Development Program organisations up to June 2011. This program is designed to n Advocacy through meetings, letters, further develop the current skills base across fact sheets, flyers, newsletters, website the sector and to improve access to learning information, media work, articles, and development opportunities particularly campaigns, etc for CLCs in regional, rural and remote (RRR) n Public endorsement of the work of other areas. organisations. In dealing with the very diverse group of clients that work within CLCs it is recognised

12 CLCNSW induction kit Part 12 Community Legal Services Program

The Community Legal Services Program Reporting Requirements (CLSP) is a combined Commonwealth As outlined in the funding agreement, and State Government funding program all CLCs are required to comply with the which provides grants to CLCs. Most following reporting requirements: CLCs in NSW receive CLSP grants. The 1. Reporting tasks using Community Legal ratio of Commonwealth funds to State Services Information System (CLSIS) funds differs from centre to centre with n Provide data on service provision some CLCs receiving funds from only one including advices, casework, CLE, law source. All CLCs receiving CLSP grants reform and other project work are required to sign a funding agreement n Submission of Annual targets which outlines the amount of the grant, all n Submission of Annual budgets reporting requirements and the roles and n Quarterly financial reports for the responsibilities of all parties to the agreement. following periods: The agreement is usually for three years with – September Quarterly report for the a Deed of Variation being signed as required period: 1 July to 30 September if the period is to be extended before a new – December Quarterly report for the agreement is provided. period: 1 October to 31 December CLSP guidelines can be found at: – March Quarterly report for the http://www.ag.gov.au/cclsp. This site is period: 1 January to 31 March password protected. CLCs will need to – June Quarterly report for the contact the State Program Manager of period: 1 April to 30 June CLSP at Legal Aid NSW (currently Bronwyn McCutcheon) for username and password. 2. Strategic Plan which covers the period of The State Program Manager is employed the funding agreement, to be submitted by Legal Aid NSW to manage the funding to the CLSP Funding Manager program in NSW. This includes ensuring 3. Progress Reports on strategic plan due that CLCs comply with the CLSP program for the 6-month periods 1 July to 31 guidelines, audit and reporting requirements. December and 1 January to 30 June In 2006 a review of CLSP in NSW was 4. Submission of the organisation’s Annual undertaken. The Review report can be Report and audited Financial Statement downloaded from the CLCNSW website: 5. Certificate of Compliance for each http://www.clcnsw.org.au/publications. financial year.

13 CLCNSW induction kit Part 3 Other Major CLC Funding Streams

Various sources fund significant programs services. More information can be found at: that run within, or are auspiced by, individual http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index. CLCs: asp?pgid=597 Court Support Scheme Public Purpose Fund (PPF) The Court Support Scheme has been Some CLCs or programs receive funding from operating for the past 27 years, and was the PPF, which funding is administered by established to provide a community link with Legal Aid NSW. The major source of PPF the Court system. The scheme, staffed by income is interest on lawyers’ trust accounts. about 45 volunteers, supplies information, The PPF is based at the Law Society of NSW. support and referrals to services to people Programs include but are not limited to: affected by the judicial system. The system Children’s Court Assistance Scheme is aimed at victims of crime, defendants, (CCAS) witnesses in court proceedings, as well as friends and relatives of these people. The This is a state-wide program with services service does not extend to the provision of attached to the Hunter, Illawarra, Macarthur, legal advice. Macquarie and Central Coast CLCs. CCAS The Scheme is funded by both State and workers provide information and support to Federal governments through Legal Aid NSW. young people and their families and help It operates at Bankstown, Balmain, Burwood, facilitate the operation of the Children’s Court Downing Centre, Gosford, Mt. Druitt, Manly, by linking young people with solicitors and Newtown, North Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, other workers in the areas of juvenile justice Sutherland and Wyong Local Courts and the and related fields. Family Court at Parramatta. NSW Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Women’s Domestic Violence Court OFT provides funding for the Tenants Advice Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) and Advocacy Program (TAAP) and also Legal Aid NSW administers funding for the supports credit and debt work in some CLCs. WDVCAP, which was established in 1996. The Office of Fair Trading also produces In 2009, there were 33 funded programs, a wide range of publications providing servicing 64 local courts throughout NSW. information for consumers and traders of The aim of the WDVCAP is to assist women NSW. and children who are experiencing domestic Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Services violence to obtain legal protection through (TAASs) Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services (ADVOs) and access support services that (TAASs) provide free, independent can assist them with their other needs, e.g. information, advice and advocacy to tenants financial assistance and advice, housing, throughout NSW. There are 14 generalist emotional support and counselling, and TAASs, four specialist TAASs for Aboriginal family law issues. Assistance is provided tenants, one specialist TAAS for older tenants through a cooperative system of legal and one specialist TAAS for residential park representation, specialised support, advocacy, residents. Each TAAS is operated by a local information and appropriate referrals to other non-government organisation, including six

14 CLCNSW induction kit Part 13 services auspiced by CLCs. TAASs receive General Funding Sources legal back-up, training and other resources There are other potential sources of from the Tenant’s Union (TU), and help funding for CLCs projects which include the inform the TU’s policy and law reform work. Commonwealth Department of Families, TAASs are funded under OFT’s Tenants Housing, Community Services and Advice and Advocacy Program using monies Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), which makes from the Rental Bond Board Interest Account funds available for aged care and disability and the Property Services Statutory Interest advocacy and credit and debt matters, and Account. the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW For more information go to the Tenants’ which has a grants program to support Union website: http://www.tenants.org.au/ projects to improve access to justice for Credit and Debt Services socially and economically disadvantaged people. Limited funding is provided to some CLCs in NSW to support credit and debt services, e.g. legal advice and casework on matters including personal debt, consumer credit, and insurance. The funding may also support financial counselling and/or resourcing local financial counsellors. This funding is separate and not related to the Consumer Credit Legal Centre.

15 CLCNSW induction kit Part 4 The Legal Assistance Sector in NSW

Information in this section is sourced from LawAccess NSW organisational websites. More information is LawAccess NSW is a free government available on the organisations’ websites listed telephone service that provides legal informa- here. tion, advice and referrals for people who have Legal Aid NSW a legal problem in NSW. It can help people who have a legal problem or query but is not Legal Aid NSW is an independent statutory able to provide legal advice to everyone. The body which provides legal aid and other legal legal enquiry must meet guidelines for get- services to disadvantaged people. ting legal advice and must be suitable to be It works to improve access to justice discussed over the telephone. by providing a range of legal services Customer Service Officers at LawAccess to disadvantaged people, with special can assist callers by: emphasis on target groups including disabled n Providing legal information people, people from non-English speaking n Where appropriate, arranging for a Legal backgrounds, women, and Aboriginal and Officer to provide legal advice over the Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Grants of legal phone (this is dependent on the caller aid can be provided for many civil, family, meeting LawAccess guidelines) criminal, administrative law, mental health n Referring them to other legal or related and veteran’s matters. services (including CLCs and private For most services clients must meet a solicitors) means and merit tests and usually have to n Discussing their eligibility for Legal Aid pay some money towards the cost of their n Helping with an application for Legal Aid. case. In some cases clients repay the full cost of their case when it is finalised. LawAccess can help with general informa- Legal Aid NSW works with organisations tion about the law, and provide information including LawAccess NSW, Aboriginal and about a number of legal problems including: Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, CLCs n Debt and credit and private lawyers to provide legal services n Family law to people throughout . n Neighbourhood disputes Clients may also access free legal advice and n Fines and traffic offences minor assistance at Legal Aid’s central Sydney n Employment law office and 21 regional offices, numerous n Criminal law advice clinics located in various metropolitan n Domestic and family violence and country centres, and specialist services. n Consumer law Contact details n Motor vehicle accidents Address: Ground Floor, 323 n Planning ahead (wills, powers of attorney, Castlereagh Street, Sydney enduring guardianship). PO Box K847, Haymarket NSW 1238 Contact details Advice Number: 1300 888 529 Phone: (02) 9219 5000 TTY: 1300 889 529 Website: http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ TIS: 131 450 Website: http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/

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Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT stations and corrective services (ALS) holding cells and provides court support, escorts inmates from prisons The ALS has 22 offices across NSW and the to rehabilitation services and contacts ACT providing legal advice and assistance families, community organisations and to Aboriginal people. Predominantly a government agencies criminal law practice, it provides advice and n A Family Violence Contact and Referral representation for both Indigenous adults and Service staffed by Aboriginal women young persons, and provides services in child highly trained and experienced in dealing protection matters. Solicitors from Legal Aid with victims of family violence. Based at NSW visit ALS offices on a regular basis to ALS offices in Grafton and Wagga Wagga, provide advice on civil matters to Aboriginal they are able to travel to other offices as clients and provide representation in suitable required. cases. ALS also operates: Contact details (ALS Head Office) n A 24-hour telephone custody notification Address: 619 Elizabeth St service for Aboriginal people who are Redfern NSW 2016 arrested in NSW or the ACT. The arrested Phone: (02) 8303 6699 person should request the police to Website: http://www.alsnswact.org.au telephone the ALS to advise of the arrest The Shopfront Legal Centre and obtain legal advice Shopfront is a free legal service for homeless n A Prisoner and Family Support Unit and disadvantaged young people aged 25 which regularly visits all adult correctional and under. It is a joint project of Mission centres, juvenile detention centres,

Mural outside Marrickville Legal Centre

Photo: Marrickville Legal Centre

17 CLCNSW induction kit Part 4

Australia’s Sydney City Mission, the Salvation Referral requests are assessed against a Army and Freehills. It can public interest criterion which includes issues n Provide legal advice to young people and that particularly impact on disadvantaged, represent them in court vulnerable and marginalised groups or raise n Educate them about their legal rights matters of broad public concern. n Inform and train youth workers about PILCH’s members include law firms, legal issues barristers, accounting firms, law schools, n Campaign for improved laws and policies corporate law departments, the NSW Bar in relation to disadvantaged young Association, the Law Society of NSW, Legal people. Aid NSW and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC). PILCH also identifies emerging As well as legal staff, Shopfront also has a and important issues that affect the broader social worker, employed initially on a pilot basis community and works in partnership with by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) CLCs, government agencies, not-for-profit Mental Health Legal Services Project, to work organisations and law schools to address with clients who have mental health problems. emerging issues of unmet legal need. Contact details Contact details Phone: (02) 9322 4808 Phone: (02) 8898 6550 Mobile: 0418 407 290 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: http://pilchnsw.org.au Website: http://www.theshopfront.org/ The Law Society Pro Bono Scheme Pro Bono Referral Services The Law Society of NSW operates a Pro The term ‘pro bono’ is short for ‘pro bono Bono Scheme to provide pro bono assistance publico’, a Latin term meaning ‘for the public for disadvantaged members of the community good’. It is used to describe free or reduced- in need of legal services who cannot afford fee legal assistance provided by private legal the cost of a solicitor and who are not eligible professionals. for Legal Aid. The Scheme co-ordinates Following is information on some of the eligible referrals of clients to solicitors and formal pro bono schemes coordinated or law firms across the state willing to provide established by professional associations and legal assistance on a free or substantially the courts. reduced fee basis. Eligible referrals are those Each scheme has different criteria or that satisfy means, needs and merit tests to guidelines by which eligibility or referrals ensure that the most deserving people and for assistance are assessed and should be cases receive pro bono assistance. Generally, approached individually for clarification. pro bono assistance will only be granted to Public Interest Law Clearing House applicants who would otherwise be unable to NSW (PILCH) meet the full costs of legal representation. The Pro Bono Scheme’s decision to assist PILCH NSW aims to help individuals and with pro bono legal assistance is discretionary. not for profit organisations access pro bono The Scheme will consider the following legal representation with legal and other types of matters: professional advisors to address issues of n Administrative law concern in the community. n Animal law PILCH accepts, assesses and refers requests n Apprehended Violence Order applications for pro bono legal advice and assistance from n Business law in relation to non-profit members of the public, CLCs, LawAccess organisations NSW, Legal Aid NSW and not-for-profit n Child care and protection organisations. It can assist them to obtain help n Criminal law from PILCH NSW members for no fee where n Debt and credit matters they are unable to afford to pay for assistance n Discrimination matters or when assistance is otherwise unavailable. n Employment/industrial law

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n Family law (limited to children’s matters) Contact details n Immigration law Phone: (02) 9232 4055 n Tenancy matters Email: [email protected] n Wills and estates. Website: http://www.nswbar.asn.au/docs/ Contact details legal_assist/lars.php Phone: (02) 9926 0379 Duty Barrister Scheme Email: [email protected] One of the Bar Association’s longest standing Website: http://www.lawsociety.com.au pro bono schemes is the Duty Barrister New South Wales Bar Association Scheme at the Downing Centre which The Bar Association’s legal assistance provides assistance in both the District and schemes reflect the strongly held view of Local Courts. the Bar that a person’s rights and access to The duty barrister, either at the request of justice should not be diminished because the court or direct by members of the public, they have little or no money. can appear in criminal pleas and mentions, provide advice in court, appear in short Legal Assistance Referral Scheme civil hearings and short defended criminal (LARS) hearings. This service enables eligible people to access The rostered day for the duty barrister is on legal assistance from members of the Bar. a no-fee basis. If a client wishes to engage Consideration of an application is a three- the duty barrister privately on the following stage process: occasion or in relation to another matter, the n First stage: Consideration of material barrister is free to do so. However the Bar which the applicant must provide: written Association encourages counsel to consider details of the problem in respect of which whether the client would be better served by assistance is sought and all relevant requiring a brief from a solicitor. documentation. Note that applications will Contact details automatically be refused if the applicant Phone: (02) 9232 4055 has been refused assistance by Legal Aid, Email: [email protected] or by any of the pro bono schemes offered Website: http://www.nswbar.asn.au/docs/ by the professional associations or the legal_assist/duty_barrister.php courts. n Second stage: If LARS puts the application Court-based pro bono referral to the Bar Council, then the Bar Council schemes will consider whether, in its opinion, Courts can make referrals where it is in the the applicant’s application discloses a interests of the administration of justice to do meritorious case at law. so. Referrals by a court are not an indication n  Third stage: If the referral from LARS of the court’s view of the case and are not to Council is successful, LARS will take meant to be a substitute for legal advice and reasonable steps to find a barrister aid. prepared to provide advice as to the When a court makes a referral to a scheme, prospects of success or legal merit of the a registrar of the court will seek free legal matter. If the barrister is of the opinion that assistance for the litigant from a panel of pro the matter has limited merits, s/he and the bono practitioners. In deciding whether or Association will have no further obligation not to refer the matter the court will consider to the applicant. If the barrister is willing the litigant’s financial situation, the type and to provide legal services to the applicant complexity of the proceeding and whether the role of the Bar Council and LARS the litigant can access other sources of legal will cease. The barrister may enter into assistance. If the referral is successful the a retainer and fee disclosure agreement legal practitioner conducting the work will not directly with the applicant or with the charge any legal fees, however the litigant applicant’s solicitor. may have to pay for disbursements such as

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photocopying costs and expert report fees. Law Firms, Barristers and others Litigants wishing to apply for assistance under accepting work on a pro bono basis any of the Schemes should raise the matter with the court at a directions hearing. Law Firms Federal Court Legal Assistance The most common models of pro bono Scheme: practice provided by law firms are: n Clients pay nothing or a substantially The Federal Court has arrangements with reduced amount for legal services the State and Territory Bars to refer matters n Outreach services where lawyers provide to them for assistance under Order 80 of the legal advice and sometimes ongoing Federal Court Rules where litigants are not assistance at outreach locations, usually at eligible for legal aid. the premises of a community organisation Website: http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/ n Secondments where a secondee from a litigants/general/legalassistance.html law firm will be supervised by a solicitor at a CLC full or part time, for a fixed period To assess eligibility, a copy of the Federal n Specialist services where firms individually Court Rules may be found at: or in partnership with others, contribute http://austlii.law.uts.edu.au/au/legis/cth/ funds, resources and staff to establish and/ consol_reg/fcr186/ or maintain a community-based specialist Federal Magistrates Court Legal service Assistance Scheme n Multi-tiered relationships where pro bono assistance involves not only direct legal The Court can refer a party to a registrar for assistance but also non-legal assistance referral to a on the pro bono panel that facilitates access to justice such as under Part 12 of the Federal Magistrates research or training. Court Rules. Registrars in each registry of the court maintain lists of lawyers who agree to Barristers participate in the scheme. Besides undertaking pro bono work through To assess eligibility, a copy of the Federal programs such as the Bar Association’s Duty Magistrates Court Rules may be found at: Scheme and LARS, barristers in NSW also http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/ carry out pro bono work on an informal basis consol_reg/fmcr2001307/ accepting briefs from CLCs and others. Supreme Court of NSW Legal Assistance Scheme Referrals for legal assistance are made by the Court or judge pursuant to Part 66A of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR). Website: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/ Supreme_Court/ll_sc.nsf/pages/SCO_ probono District Court of NSW Legal Assistance Scheme The Court makes referrals for legal assistance under Part 28C of the District Court Rules 1973. To assess eligibility, a copy of the District Court Rules may be found at: http://www. austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/ dcr1973236/s28c.1.html

20 CLCNSW induction kit Part 5 Other Key Agencies and Organisations

Australian Council of Social Service discrimination, harassment and vilification. (ACOSS) The ADB is impartial and tries to help both parties involved come to an agreement about ACOSS is the peak council of the community how the problem can be resolved. and social services sector. It has a national reputation for effective and influential advocacy Contact details for Australia’s disadvantaged people based on Phone: (02) 9268 5555 high standards of community consultation, 1800 670 812 (for callers outside policy development, analysis and research. Sydney metro) ACOSS is active in ten key policy areas TTY: (02) 9268 5522 including law and justice. It leads and Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb supports initiatives within the community Australian Human Rights Commission services and welfare sector and acts as an Previously known as the Human Rights and independent voice. Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), By drawing on the direct experiences of the AHRC is an independent statutory people affected by poverty and inequality organisation which reports to the federal and the expertise of its diverse member Parliament through the Attorney General. base, ACOSS develops and promotes socially Its activities include: and economically responsible public policy n Resolving complaints of discrimination or and action by government, community and breaches of human rights under federal business. laws Contact details n Holding public inquiries into human Address: Locked Bag 4777 rights issues of national importance Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 n Developing human rights education Phone: (02) 9310 6200 programs and resources for schools, Email: [email protected] workplaces and the community Website: http://www.acoss.org.au/ n Providing independent legal advice to Anti-Discrimination Board NSW (ADB) assist courts in cases that involve human rights principles The ADB promotes anti-discrimination and n Providing advice and submissions to equal opportunity principles and policies parliaments and governments to develop throughout NSW. It informs and educates laws, policies and programs the people of NSW about their rights and n Undertaking and coordinating research responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws into human rights and discrimination and explains how they can prevent and deal issues. with discrimination through consultations, education programs, seminars, talks, and Contact details the production and distribution of written Phone: (02) 9284 9600 information and the website. Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419 The ADB provides an enquiry service for General enquiries: 1300 369 711 people who want to know about their rights or TTY: 1800 620 241 responsibilities under NSW anti-discrimination Website: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/ law and will investigate complaints of

21 CLCNSW induction kit Part 5

Community Justice Centres (CJCs) Council of Social Service of NSW CJCs provide free mediation and conflict (NCOSS) management services to help people NCOSS is the peak body for the social resolve disputes. These services are free, and community services sector in NSW. It confidential, impartial, accessible and represents, and advocates for, the interests voluntary and available throughout NSW. of disadvantaged people and the non Services include: government social and community services n Mediation sector to the New South Wales government n Conflict management and other organisations. It helps shape the n Dispute counselling public policy agenda both by responding to n Facilitation government proposals and by initiating policy n Community education projects. n TAM – technology assisted mediation – which uses teleconferencing facilities Contact details to extend opportunities to provide Address: 66 Albion Street mediation to remote areas and to others Surry Hills NSW 2010 in the community isolated by distance or Phone: (02) 9211 2599 disability. Fax: (02) 8255 6868 TTY: (02) 8255 6758 Contact details Website: http://www.ncoss.org.au/ Phone: 1800 990 777 TTY: 1800 671 964 Department of Justice and Attorney Email: [email protected] General NSW Website: http://www.cjc.nsw.gov.au/ DJAG provides the legal and administrative Community Relations Commission framework within which the NSW Attorney General, as the First Law Officer of the (CRC) State, operates. The Department provides The CRC recognises and values the different the support services necessary to enable linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic the Attorney General to meet legislative and backgrounds of residents of NSW, and advisory responsibilities to the Parliament and promotes equal rights and responsibilities Cabinet. It also works co-operatively with the for all residents of NSW. It builds strong to support the courts and justice relationships with ethnic community groups system. and develops and fosters extensive networks The Department is also responsible for throughout various communities through its administration of the NSW court system and programs and services. legal services including human rights, crime The CRC provides translating and prevention and the registration of births, interpreting services and can assist with deaths and marriages. communications to specific target audiences. Contact details Contact details Address: 160 Marsden Street Address:  PO Box A2618 Parramatta NSW 2150 Sydney South NSW 1235 Locked Bag 5111 Phone: (02) 8255 6767 Parramatta NSW 2124 TTY: (02) 8255 6758 Phone: (02) 8688 7777 Website: http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au/home Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/agd CRC Interpreting & Translation service Phone: 1300 651 500

22 CLCNSW induction kit Part 5

Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) Department works towards achieving three outcomes: FRCs provide families with information 1. An equitable and accessible system of about relationship and separation issues. federal civil justice Where families separate, the FRCs provide 2. Co-ordinated federal criminal justice, information, advice and dispute resolution security and emergency management (such as mediation) to help them reach activity for a safer Australia agreement on parenting arrangements. 3. Assisting regions to manage their futures Services are funded by the Federal Government and provide for three free hours Contact details of joint Family Dispute Resolution. Phone: (02) 6141 6666 FRCs offer individual and joint sessions to Website: http://www.ag.gov.au/ assist separating families to create workable parenting arrangements, and offer group Law and Justice Foundation of NSW information sessions and workshops on a The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW is range of practical topics to assist families. an independent statutory body working to All Centres work collaboratively with, improve access to justice in NSW, particularly and provide referrals to, a variety of other for socially and economically disadvantaged services, matching the needs of the family or people. individuals to appropriate services. The Foundation conducts research into In December 2009, the Commonwealth the legal need of socially and economically Attorney General announced funding for disadvantaged people in NSW. It also has a pilot 12-month program to establish a grants program which provides financial partnerships for the provision of legal support for projects which meet the services to FRCs. The majority of legal Foundation’s objects of improving access service providers are CLCs in NSW, both in to justice, by identifying and addressing the metropolitan Sydney and RRR areas. In barriers to justice that people experience. addition, Legal Aid NSW has been funded Projects funded include community legal to coordinate the pilot and has established a education, plain language resources and steering committee, which has a number of pilot services. Applicants are encouraged to CLC representatives. have an informal discussion with the Grants Manager before submitting an application. Contact details There are two types of Grants: Advice Line: 1800 050 321 n General: over $5,000 (GST inclusive) and Website: http://www.relationships.com.au/ allocated by the Foundation’s Board of who-we-are/affiliated-services Governors twice yearly Federal Government Attorney- n Small: up to $5,000 (GST inclusive), General’s Department applications accepted throughout the year. The Federal Attorney-General’s Department serves the people of Australia by providing Other services include: essential expert support to the Federal n Publishing and marketing advice Government in the maintenance and n Support for Plain Language Law improvement of Australia’s system of law n JustSearch – a search engine to help and justice and its national security and locate existing and new legal resources. emergency management systems. The Department is the central policy Contact details and co-ordinating element of the Attorney- Phone: (02) 8227 3200 General’s portfolio for which the Attorney- Website: http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/ General and Minister for Home Affairs are responsible. The mission of the Attorney- General’s Department is achieving a just and secure society. In pursuing this mission, the

23 CLCNSW induction kit Part 5

Law Society of NSW n Make recommendations with respect to legislation, law reform, rules of court and The Law Society of NSW is the professional the business and procedure of courts association for solicitors in NSW. Its n Seek to ensure that the benefits of the objectives are to: administration of justice are reasonably n Consider, originate and promote reform and equally available to all members of and improvements in the law the community n Remedy defects in the administration of n Arrange and promote continuing justice professional development n Effect improvements in administration or n Promote fair and honourable practice practice amongst barristers; to suppress, n Represent generally the views of the discourage and prevent malpractice and profession professional misconduct n Preserve its integrity and status n Inquire into questions as to professional n Suppress dishonourable conduct or conduct and etiquette of barristers practices n Confer and co-operate with bodies in n To consider and deal with all matters Australia or elsewhere representing the affecting professional interests of profession of the law members of the Society. n Encourage professional, educational, Regional societies are situated across NSW. cultural and social relations amongst the members of the Bar Association Contact details n Make donations to charities and such Phone: (02) 9926 0333 other objects in the public interest as Website: http://www.lawsociety.com.au/ determined from time to time by the Bar Legal Information Access Centres Council. (LIAC) Offices are also situated in regional centres LIAC is a specialist information service of the across NSW. State Library of NSW. It provides access to information about Contact details the law for all members of the community in Phone: (02) 9232 4055 NSW. LIAC provides information (not advice) Website: http://www.nswbar.asn.au/ to the community on individual questions and NSW Fair Trading concerns. Its service is available at the State Library and throughout NSW public libraries NSW Fair Trading administers fair trading (nearly 400 locations). laws and looks after the rights of consumers LIAC supports the Find Legal Answers while advising businesses and traders on website which provides a range of plain fair and ethical practices. It offers a variety language legal resources. of services, including licence checking, and regular surveys to determine what consumers Contact details know and want on a range of important Phone: (02) 9273 1558 topics. Its website has dedicated resources Email: [email protected] on consumer rights for young people, Website:  http://www.legalanswers.sl.nsw. and culturally and gov.au/ linguistically diverse communities. NSW Bar Association It also provides funding for the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP) The NSW Bar Association is a voluntary and some support for CLC credit and debt association of practising barristers. Its aims, services. as expressed in its Constitution, are to: The NSW Registry of Co-operatives and n Promote the administration of justice Associations operates under NSW Fair n Promote, maintain and improve the Trading and acts to regulate cooperatives and interests and standards of local practising associations in NSW. barristers

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Copies of current approved forms relating NSW Legal Assistance Forum (NLAF) to various provisions of the Associations NLAF is a coalition promoting collaboration Incorporation Act 1984 (NSW) are available and coordination in the development of on the website or from the Registry of Co- legal services for socially and economically operatives & Associations: disadvantaged people in NSW. Registry of Co-operatives & Associations It includes the peak representative bodies PO Box 22 with responsibility for the delivery of legal 154 Russell Street services and specialist organisations dealing Bathurst NSW 2795 with a wide range of legal issues. These are: NB: The NSW Fair Trading website notes n Community Legal Centres NSW that it is anticipated that the Associations n Legal Aid NSW Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) will come n The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW into effect during early 2010. Until then, n Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ ACT Ltd the existing Associations Incorporation n The NSW Bar Association Act 1984 (NSW) will remain in place and n The Law Society of NSW associations should keep following the current n The NSW Department of Justice and requirements for now. A list of the changes Attorney General may be found at: http://www.fairtrading. n LawAccess NSW nsw.gov.au/Cooperatives_and_associations/ n Public Interest Law Clearing House Associations/Associations_legislation/ (NSW) Changes_to_associations_legislation.html n Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Contact details NLAF aims to: Phone: (02) 6333 1400 n Continuously improve service delivery to FreeCall: 1800 502 042 socially and economically disadvantaged Email: [email protected]. people through better alignment of nsw.gov.au planning, program design and service Website:  http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ delivery by providers of legal assistance default.html services NSW Industrial Relations (NSW IR) n Promote cooperative arrangements and NSW IR provides a range of services collaboration between organisations including: within the sector for effective service n Information on all NSW awards and delivery n  industrial relations legislation Identify and incorporate the best n A specialist library of information relating available research n  to industrial relations, human resources, Promote dialogue and debate n  management, workplace reform and Consult and respond to emerging issues, related topics policy and law reform n  n Advice and training on NSW employment Be a channel for disseminating ideas and issues. initiatives throughout the sector. NB: The Industrial Relations Commission Contact details is part of the NSW Department of Services, Phone: (02) 8227 3221 Technology and Administration. Fax: (02) 9221 6280 Contact details Website: http://www.nlaf.org.au/ Phone: 131 628 (anywhere within NSW) TTY: 1800 555 677 Fax: (02) 9020 4700 Website:  http://www.industrialrelations.nsw. gov.au/Home.html

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NSW Ombudsman Office of the Legal Services The NSW Ombudsman is an independent Commissioner (OLSC) and impartial watchdog which investigates The OLSC receives all complaints complaints about the conduct of NSW about solicitors, barristers and licensed government agencies and departments conveyancers in NSW. It also oversees the and their employees, as well as some non- investigation of complaints about the conduct government agencies. of practitioners and plays a major role in The NSW Ombudsman is independent of resolving consumer disputes. the government of the day and accountable to the public through the NSW Parliament. Contact details It has jurisdiction over the following Phone: (02) 9377 1800 agencies and the people who work for them: 1800 242 958 (for callers outside n NSW public sector agencies including Sydney metro) government departments, statutory TTY: (02) 9377 1855 authorities, boards, area health services Fax: (02) 9377 1888 and the police Email: [email protected] n Local and county councils Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/olsc n Public and private sector agencies providing services for children n Agencies providing community services who are funded, licensed or authorised by the Department of Community Services, the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, the Minister for Community Services or the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, including licensed boarding houses and fee-for-service agencies n Some private sector agencies and individuals who provide public services such as the operators of Junee Correctional Centre, private certifiers who sometimes perform certain local council functions and accreditation bodies for those private certifiers. Contact details Phone: (02) 9286 1000 1800 451 524 (for callers outside Sydney metro) TTY: (02) 9264 8050 Fax: (02) 9283 2911 Website: http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/ index.html

26 CLCNSW induction kit Part 6 NACLC Insurance Schemes

The National Association of Community Legal they are then invoiced for the appropriate Centres (NACLC) manages and coordinates a amount to join the scheme and is then number of insurance schemes for the benefit covered. NACLC coordinates the renewal of of its member CLCs. The Insurance Broker is the policy every year. the International firm, AON Risk Services. Public Liability Insurance Professional Indemnity Insurance All NACLC member CLCs are covered by (PII) the NACLC Public Liability insurance master Professional Indemnity Insurance is the policy. This is a service provided by NACLC protection provided by an insurer to cover at no charge to individual CLCs. The policy the actions of all staff, volunteers and runs from 1 January each year to 1 January representatives of CLCs. the next. A certificate of currency is provided This insurance cover is provided under a to all CLCs. master policy negotiated at a national level Briefly, the terms of this insurance are as on behalf of all CLCs by NACLC. Each CLC follows: contributes to the payment of the national n Period coverage: calendar year premium, with cover individually provided to n Limit of Indemnity: $20,000,000 for any each CLC, the terms and conditions of the one occurrence policy being the same for all CLCs. n Excess: Bodily Injury – NIL, Property The policy runs from 1 July to 30 June. A Damage – $250 each and every claim certificate of currency is provided to all CLCs n Coverage: office risks at CLCs, visiting that join the scheme. client’s premises, outreach services, A CLC needs to be a full member of their conferences, CLE events. relevant State Association to be eligible to participate in the NACLC PII Scheme. CLCs Claims are handled through AON on (08) in NSW, in accordance with the CLCNSW 8301 1170. The broker is Wayne Trezona. Rules & Objects, also need to agree to attend CLCs need to contact AON if they would like all state PII meetings and to run their legal to confirm coverage for a specific fundraising practice, and other services, in compliance activity, e.g. a fete or trivia night, that is outside with the NACLC Risk Management Guide the scope of their normal activities. There may (RMG), July 2005 edition (available on the be an extra premium to pay. NACLC website under Publications). An CLCs also need to contact AON if they updated version of the RMG will be launched need to add another party to the certificate of in October 2010 at the National CLCs currency for the Public Liability insurance. Conference. Association Liability Insurance To apply to join the scheme a CLC must complete an application form and send it to (including Directors & Officers cover) the relevant PII state representative. Once Associations Liability insurance covers a the completed form is received, the CLC’s CLC’s Board or Management Committee systems are reviewed by the NACLC PII state Members (past, present or future) against reps to check their adherence to the RMG. any claims for ‘wrongful acts’ committed or Once this is finalised and the CLC has been alleged to have been committed by them accepted for membership of the scheme, in their capacity as Directors or Officers of

27 CLCNSW induction kit Part 6

the CLC. It also provides cover for the Legal Excess: Centre, Centre Manager and Board Members n Directors and Officers – Nil against Employment Practice Claims, e.g. n Company Reimbursement – Nil wrongful dismissal, sexual harassment or n Association Entity – Nil discrimination claims. n Employment Practices Liability – Nil The policy also covers the entity, i.e. the n Fidelity – $2,000 legal centre itself. Wrongful acts including n Taxation Investigation – $2,000. defamation claims are also covered. This insurance cover is provided under a Retroactive Date: Unlimited, excluding master policy negotiated at a national level known claims and circumstances. on behalf of all CLCs by NACLC. Cover is Exclusions: Professional Indemnity optional for CLCs. There is a policy brochure (covered under the separate PII Policy available from NACLC that explains the cover above). in more detail. The definition of ‘employee’ has been The policy runs from 1 March each year to extended to include volunteers, contractors 1 March the next. A certificate of currency and temporary workers. This is not available is provided to all CLCs that join the bulk elsewhere in the insurance market. scheme. The cost of this insurance to each CLC The insurance is a ‘claims made’ policy, depends on your funding band. To give some which means it does not matter when the indication of cost, the bands for the year event being claimed for occurred, it is when 1 March 2009 to 1 March 2010 were: the claim is made to the CLC that is the Funding bands Premium share pertinent date. (not including GST) (including GST) The policy includes the following cover: n Section 2.1 Professional Indemnity – No recurrent funding $50.00 Deleted Less than $150,000 $100.00 n Section 2.2 Personal Liability of $150,001 to $200,000 $200.00 Directors and Officers by reason of any $200,001 to $260,000 $300.00 ‘wrongful act’ (as per Policy) committed $260,001 to $300,000 $400.00 or alleged to have been committed by them in their capacity as Directors or $300,001 to $400,000 $550.00 Officers of the Insured. (Past, Present $400,001 to $500,000 $750.00 and Future Directors and Officers) $500,001 to $600,000 $1,000.00 n Section 2.3 Company Reimbursement $600,001 to $700,000 $1,200.00 of Directors and Executive Officers pursuant to law or memorandum and $700,001 to $800,000 $1,300.00 Articles of Association. $800,001 to $1,000,000 $1,600.00 n Section 2.4 Association Entity $1,000,001 + $1,800.00 n Section 2.5 Employment Practice Liability A CLC can join this scheme at any time and n Section 2.6 Fidelity pay a pro-rata amount from the date it joins n Section 2.7 Taxation Investigation. until 1 March of the following year.

Limit of Indemnity: Business Pak n Directors and Officers, Association The Business Pak Insurance, underwritten by Reimbursement and Association Entity: CGU Insurance Limited, covers the following: $10,000,000 any one claim and in the n Contents; if damaged by Fire, Extraneous aggregate Perils and Accidental Damage n Employment Practices Liability (sub- n Burglary; covers only what is stolen to the limit): $5,000,000 any one claim and in insured limit the aggregate n Money (Australia wide); if money is n Fidelity Sub-Limit $100,000 stolen, proof needed n Taxation Investigation $10,000.

28 CLCNSW induction kit Part 6

n Glass; full replacement coverage for n A Weekly Injury Benefit for income internal and external glass including sign earners of $1000 per week or 85% of writing their salary, whichever is the lesser, for n Increased cost of working; after a fire or 104 weeks flood your CLC may need to rent new n Domestic Help or Student Tutorial premises or retrieve files from back-up Benefits for non-income earners etc n Additional benefits such as Surgery n Business Property in Transit; mobile Injury Benefit, Dental Benefit etc. phones, laptop computers, if lost whilst travelling. The excess on this policy is seven days, which means, that if a volunteer is injured There is an excess of $200 for each and and is only unable to work for four days no every claim on all sections of this insurance. claim would be payable. However, if they The policy price will also vary depending on were injured and unable to work for three your CLC’s location. The price of this policy weeks, this policy would pay them two weeks will, in most cases, be cheaper than what of benefits. CLCs are currently paying. The coverage The cost of this policy is based on the offered by the policies has been tailored to number of active volunteers a centre has CLC needs so will differ from many of your throughout the year. policies. The administration of this policy will be Taking up this insurance from AON is not handled directly by our Brokers, AON. It is compulsory and most CLCs will already have not a national policy taken out by NACLC like some form of these insurances. You do not PII, Public Liability and Directors & Officers. need to take up the offer immediately, but For more information, contact Lynda Woite you can take it up once your current policy at AON on (08) 8301 1111 or by email at expires. [email protected]. The administration of this policy will be handled directly by our Brokers, AON. It is For more information: not a national policy taken out by NACLC like For more information about any of the types PII, Public Liability and Directors & Officers. of insurance mentioned in this section, or For more information, contact Lynda Woite how the NACLC schemes operate, please call at AON on (08) 8301 1111 or by email at the National Association of Community CLCs [email protected]. office on (02) 9264 9595, or email naclc@ clc.net.au. Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Further information, including some Insurance policies, can be accessed in the NACLC This insurance, underwritten by Ace Insurance folder on BBS National Notice- Insurance Limited, covers all voluntary Office board. The Risk Management Guide is soon Bearers, Executives and Voluntary Workers to be a link on the NACLC website. whilst attending meetings / functions on behalf of the named legal centre. This means all volunteers are covered anywhere whilst working as a volunteer for your centre. It also covers all volunteers, no matter where they are from, i.e. it does cover foreign volunteers. Please note, this policy is for accidents only, not sickness, and it is not a Worker’s Compensation policy as that type of insurance only applies to paid employees. This policy offers: n Death and Capital Benefits Events (refer to the full policy, page 9 for details)

29 CLCNSW induction kit Part 7 Bulletin Board System (BBS)

The BBS is an electronic mail and Through the folder system, the BBS conferencing system used by most CLCs and provides a forum to hold discussions and employees. It provides messaging and online debates and post notices across the CLC discussion forums via folders and contains sector. a wealth of resources, discussion and The calendar function can be used as both publications from CLCs around the country. a personal diary and group calendar. Training is provided by NACLC, usually in The BBS can be accessed via the internet conjunction with the Quarterlies. as follows: The service is accessed through the n www.clc.net.au/login or FirstClass software and is provided free of n From the link on the NACLC homepage charge to all CLCs by the National Association at: http://www.naclc.org.au. of Community Legal Centres (NACLC). Using NACLC’s BBS in any way constitutes The NACLC homepage also provides a link an agreement by the user to the policies to software enabling the BBS software to be outlined in the BBS Policy document as well downloaded to home computers, laptops, etc. as any amended policies that may come into CLC managers are encouraged to inform effect in the future. The Policy is available CLC accounts via email of accounts that are from the BBS desktop in the About your BBS no longer required and can be deleted. under BBS policy and documentation. Report all problems (access, viruses, etc) to Each CLC employee is provided with a free email: [email protected]. BBS account that has access to an individual email account and to CLC mailboxes and Forwarding your BBS Account folders. To forward BBS emails to primary accounts, open the BBS and follow the path: Obtaining a BBS account First Class (menu on toolbar) >Preferences To obtain an account contact CLC Accounts >Messaging >Mail Rules via email at: [email protected], Enter the email address of the primary providing the employee’s name, position email account. Signatures and out-of-office and CLC details. An account will be created automatic email responses can also be set up within three days of receiving the necessary from this screen. information and the user name and password Further information is available from the will be provided to the person making the About your BBS folder on the BBS Desktop. request. The account will also be set up to provide access to relevant folders and the account owner’s email address will be placed on appropriate email lists, e.g. Coordinators/ Directors; Principal Solicitors; Administrators; RRR. Contact the CLCNSW office for possible lists. As with any other email account, users can send and receive emails at their own address and attach, send and receive documents.

30 CLCNSW induction kit PartPart 81 Resources and Supports for CLCs

The CLCNSW State Office staff can assist DVDs: members with funding submissions, source Getting off the Referral Roundabout – DVD information about IT, policies and procedures, on making good referrals (Kingsford Legal general sector information and referrals to Centre, 2006) other legal services. NACLC DVD Storybook (NACLC, 2009) CLCNSW also subsidises some training Achieving : working in NSW and travel and accommodation expenses community legal centres (CLCNSW, 2010) for Regional, Rural and Remote CLCs to participate in training and the Quarterlies. Please contact the Administrator at the Contact the Learning and Development CLCNSW State Office for copies of these or Coordinator or the Administrator at CLCNSW other publications. on (02) 9212 7333 to find out about the Learning Management System (LMS) policy guidelines for this funding. A quarterly training opportunities calendar CLC staff have free access to the Learning collates relevant training opportunities for Management System (LMS) developed by CLC staff in the wider justice and community Legal Aid NSW’s training and development sectors. Through the CLCNSW’s Learning division. and Development program, opportunities are The LMS provides easy access to Legal Aid being offered to meet needs identified in a NSW training and is available any time and Training Needs Analysis of member CLCs. anywhere. You can register for Legal Aid NSW courses, participate in online learning activities Useful resources produced and access information and share resources. by the Sector Features include: n Short training sessions available via web- Publications: conference NSW Community Legal Centres 2008 n Capacity to download resources Directory (CLCNSW) (published every 2 (podcasts, PowerPoints, handouts). years) n Ability to quickly find a relevant activity Induction Kit: A guide to working in the through the calendar or course library NSW CLC sector (CLCNSW, 2010) n Online registration for learning activities Guide to NSW Community Legal Centres n Tracking of your MCLE points brochure (published every 2 years) n Advertising an event. Australia and New Zealand Community Legal Centres Directory 2009 (NACLC) Some sessions are recorded and are National Financial Management Guide for available on video or podcast enabling you Community Legal Centres (NACLC, 2006) to watch them online or download to an mp3 National Management Committee Guide for player. The LMS also keeps track of online Community Legal Centres (NACLC, 2008) courses, allowing you to come back and pick Valuing Volunteers Training Kit (Peninsula up where you left off. CLC, 2007) Simply register and once your login is On the Record, Quarterly CLCNSW approved you can access the LMS through e-bulletin (available via the website or email the Legal Aid NSW website. subscription: www.clcnsw.org.au/publications) To register: http://learning.legalaid.nsw. gov.au/register.aspx

31 CLCNSW induction kit Part 8

Booking and payment of interpreters a User Profile form which should be emailed to: languageservices@crc. CLCs funded by the CLSP can, through a sw.gov.au. pilot program commenced on 1 July 2009, The Sign Language Communications NSW be reimbursed by Legal Aid NSW for the (SLC NSW) Interpreting Service operated cost of face to face interpreter services for by the Deaf Society of NSW would be the CLC clients. This pilot encompasses all primary provider for Auslan interpreters. interpreting services including Auslan and SLC NSW has an online booking system at Aboriginal language services. This pilot will http://nsw.slcommunications.com.au run until 30 June 2010 or until the budget is Contact details for Sign Language fully utilised, whichever is sooner. Interpreting Services are available at http:// Reimbursements will be made to each CLC www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/contact/our_ upon presentation of a monthly tax invoice staff.html#interpreting from the CLC. The tax invoice must: Given that interpreters can usually only n Be on CLC letterhead and include the be booked for a minimum period (e.g. ABN two or three hours), CLCs are encouraged n Show a breakdown of the total costs of to maximise the use of interpreters by the interpreting services with a separate ‘clustering’ sessions with clients of the same line item for the GST paid language group into one period of time, e.g. n Be accompanied by copies of the by having a Vietnamese or Greek legal advice invoice(s) from the recognised/qualified night. interpreter service with the client names blanked/blacked out. NSW CLC Directory This is a CLCNSW publication, updated every Invoices are to be sent to the State Program two years, which is available to workers in Manager, CLSP at Legal Aid NSW. the CLC, justice, community and government CLCs are encouraged to utilise the sectors. It contains contact information, Telephone Interpreting Service (TIS) for hours of operation, and a description of translation of information where appropriate each CLC in NSW. This information enables in the first instance. Priority will be given to justice, community and government workers providing interpreting services for advice and to source information on CLCs that may be casework in the first instance followed by relevant to their clients and work. CLE. Reimbursement will not be provided This publication is not intended for for the translation of documents unless the distribution to the general public. If members documents are with the client when they of the public require contact information on meet with the solicitor. Clients should be CLCs they can be provided with, or referred referred to a document translation service in to, the CLC brochure, which is a quick guide all other circumstances. to CLCs and contains information that is CLC staff or clients can initiate a TIS session publicly available. immediately by telephoning 131 450. The Community Relations Commission Thompson Reuters online resources (CRC) would be the primary provider for Through NACLC, Thomson Reuters offers: community language interpreters, but CLCs n Access to Legal Online, a web-based are able to utilise other recognised interpreter information portal, which allows the providers if they wish to do so. user to search for legislation, cases, etc CRC interpreters can be booked: online. This can be accessed via Online n By fax using the form available on their Resources on the BBS website: www.crc.nsw.gov.au/services/ n Discounts for CLCs for online packages language_services/fact_sheets/fact_ and other legal titles. sheet_1 Contact Diahanna Senko at Thomson n Online on the CRC website by accessing Reuters, phone (02) 8587 7181, email: Language Link and contacting the [email protected] appropriate telephone number to obtain

32 CLCNSW induction kit PartPart 91 Centre Specific Information

The purpose of this section is to outline some of the information that the reader should seek from within their organisation. n Governance structure n Management structure n Office bearers and membership of board/ management committee n Rules/Constitution of the organisation n Incorporation status n Annual General Meeting details n Occupational Health and Safety Policies and representatives n Staffing structure and people n Union membership; the Australian Services Union (ASU) represents CLC staff n Membership of an employer association such as Jobs Australia n Finances and sources of funding and expenditure n Policies and procedures n Annual reports n Casework/legal practice policy n Complaints procedure n Services and programs provided n Volunteers, interns and placements n Risk management practices n Insurance Register.

33 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10 Acronyms and Terms in common use in the CLC sector

ANU Australian National University A http://www.anu.edu.au AAT Administrative Appeals Tribunal AOD Alcohol and other drugs http://www.aat.gov.au/ ARAFMI Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics Incorporated http://www.arafmi.org/ http://www.abs.gov.au/ ASIC Australian Securities and ACLO Aboriginal Community Liaison Investment Commission Officer http://www.asic.gov.au ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service ASU Australian Services Union, the http://www.acoss.org.au/ relevant union in respect of the ACWA Association of Children’s SACS Awards Welfare Agencies http://www.asu.asn.au/ http://www.acwa.asn.au/index.php ATO Australian Tax Office ADR Alternative Disputes Resolution http://www.ato.gov.au/ ADT Administrative Decisions Tribunal ATSI Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adt AVL Audio visual link ADVO Apprehended Domestic AVO Apprehended Violence Order Violence Order AFCCRA Australian Financial Counselling & Credit Reform Association B http://www.afccra.org/ BBS Bulletin Board System, AGD Commonwealth Attorney-General’s email system for CLCs Department http://www.ag.gov.au/ BFSO Banking and Financial Services AGs Attorney General’s, Ombudsman http://www.fos.org.au either state or federal ALAF Australian Legal Assistance Forum C http://www.nla.aust.net.au/ CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse ALAP Aboriginal Legal Access Program, CAT Convention Against Torture a program of CLCNSW http://www.hrweb.org/legal/cat.html ALGA Australian Local Government CCAS Children’s Court Assistance Scheme Association http://www.alga.asn.au CCWT Centre for Community ALO Aboriginal Liaison Officer (Police) Welfare Training ALS Aboriginal Legal Service http://www.acwa.asn.au/index.php http://www.alsnswact.org.au/ CDAT Community Drug & Alcohol Team ANTaR Australians for Native Title and CEDAW Convention on the Elimination Reconciliation of all Forms of Discrimination http://www.antar.org.au/ Against Women http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ cedaw.htm

34 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10

CERD Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination D http://www2.ohchr.org/english/ D&A Drugs and alcohol bodies/cerd/ DAA Department of Aboriginal Affairs CJC Community Justice Centre http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/ http://www.cjc.nsw.gov.au/ DCS Corrective Services NSW CJSN Criminal Justice Support Network http://www.dcs.nsw.gov.au/ (NSW) http://www.idrs.org.au/cjsn/ DDLC NSW Disability Discrimination Legal CLC Community Legal Centre Centre http://www.ddlcnsw.org.au/ CLCNSW Community Legal Centres NSW Inc. DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and http://www.clcnsw.org.au/ Trade http://www.dfat.gov.au/ CLE Community Legal Education or, DGR Deductible Gift Recipients in the legal profession in NSW, DJAG Department of Justice and continuing legal education Attorney General NSW CLEW Community Legal http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/agd Education Workers DoCS NSW Department of Community CLSD Co-operative Legal Service Delivery Services http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/ CLSIS Community Legal Services DoH Housing NSW Information System commonly http://www.housing.nsw.gov.au/ pronounced ‘cell-siss’ Drug Court CLSP Community Legal Services Program, MERIT scheme in local courts the joint state-federal funding DV Domestic violence program for CLCs DVCAS Domestic Violence Court CRC Community Relations Commission Advocacy Scheme http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au DVICM Domestic Violence Intervention CROC Convention on the Rights of the Court Model Child http://www.unicef.org/crc/ DVLO Domestic Violence Cross-check Liaison Officer (Police) Annual process that all CLCs DX Mail delivery service independent of participate in as part of the national Australia Post PII scheme CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities E http://www.un.org/disabilities/ ECAV Education Centre Against Violence convention/conventionfull.shtml http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/ecav/ CSA Child Support Agency EDO Environmental Defender’s Office http://www.csa.gov.au/ http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw CSGP Community Services Grants EEO Equal Employment Opportunity Program EWCAP Energy & Water Consumers’ http://www.community.nsw.gov.au Advocacy Program CTTT NSW Consumer, Trader & Tenancy http://www.piac.asn.au//system/ Tribunal http://www.cttt.nsw.gov.au ucap.html EWON Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW http://www.ewon.com.au/

35 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10

ICESCR International Covenant on the F Economic, Social and Cultural FBT Fringe Benefits Tax Rights FCAN Financial Counsellors Association of http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ NSW http://www.fcan.com.au/ cescr.htm Federation ICRC Independent Competition and Federation of Community Legal Regulatory Commission Centres Victoria http://www.icrc.act.gov.au/ http://www.communitylaw.org.au/ IDRS Intellectual Disability Rights Service FONGA Federation of Non-Government http://www.idrs.org.au/ Agencies FRC Family Relationship Centres J http://www.familyrelationships.gov. JA Justice Action au/ http://www.justiceaction.org.au/ FVPLS Family Violence Protection Legal JC Judicial Commission Services http://www.judcom.nsw.gov.au/ JJs Department of Juvenile Justice G http://www.djj.nsw.gov.au/ GG Governor General K H HACC Home and Community Care KLC Kingsford Legal Centre http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/ http://www.kingsfordlegalcentre.org dadhc KPI Key Performance Indicators HALC HIV/AIDS Legal Centre http://www.halc.org.au/ HESTA Superannuation company L http://www.hesta.com.au/ L&D Learning & Development, a CLCNSW project HR Human rights or human resources LAC Local Area Command (Police areas) LAC Legal Aid NSW, formerly the Legal I Aid Commission of NSW IARC Immigration Advice and Rights http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au Centre, pronounced ‘eye-arc’ LALC Local Aboriginal Land Council http://www.iarc.asn.au/ Law Foundation ICAC Independent Commission Against Law and Justice Foundation of NSW Corruption http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/ http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/ LCSA Local Community Services ICC Indigenous Coordination Centres Association http://www.lcsa.org.au/ http://www.atsip.qld.gov.au/ government/networks/indigenous- LGA Local Government Area centres/ LGSA Local Government & Shires ICCPR International Covenant on Civil & Association http://www.lgsa.org.au Political Rights LGBTI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ and Intersex ccpr.htm

36 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10

LIAC Legal Information Access Centres, NYCLC National Children and Youth Law part of the State Library of NSW, Centre http://www.ncylc.org.au/ pronounced ‘lee-ac’ http://www.legalanswers.sl.nsw. gov.au/ O OFT NSW Fair Trading (previously known LIRF Legal Information Referral Forum as Office of Fair Trading) http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au M OH&S Occupational Health and Safety MCLE Mandatory Continuing Legal Ombo Ombudsman Education, a requirement on all legal practitioners in NSW OP Optional Protocol MDAA Multicultural Disability OPA Office of the Public Advocate Advocacy Association OPC Office of the Protective http://www.mdaa.org.au/ Commissioner (NB: On 1 July 2009, MERIT Magistrates Early Referral into OPC and the Public Trustee NSW Treatment, also referred to as the merged to form NSW Trustee and ‘Drug Court’ Guardian) http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opc MHCRT Mental Health Crisis Response Team MoU Memorandum of understanding P PA Public Advocate MSA Model Service Agreement PBI Public Benevolent Institution N PC Office of the Privacy Commissioner http://www.privacy.gov.au/ NACLC National Association of Community or Productivity Commission Legal Centres – sometimes http://www.pc.gov.au/ pronounced ‘nack-lac’, sometimes pronounced ‘nackels’ PIAC Public Interest Advocacy Centre, http://www.naclc.org.au/ pronounced ‘pee-ack’ http://www.piac.asn.au/ National Childrens National Children and Youth Law PII Professional Indemnity Insurance Centre http://www.ncylc.org.au/ PILCH Public Interest Law Clearing House National Association (NSW) http://www.pilchnsw.org.au/ National Association of Community PILO Pacific Islander Liaison Officer Legal Centres (Police) NCOSS Council of Social Service of NSW, PLU Phone link-up pronounced ‘en-coss’ PPF Public Purpose Fund http://www.ncoss.org.au/ NESB Non-English speaking background Q NLAF NSW Legal Assistance Forum, QAILS Queensland Association of pronounced ‘en-laf’ Independent Legal Services http://www.nlaf.org.au/ http://www.qails.org.au/ NRS National Relay Service Quarterlies NTS Native Title Services Meetings of the members of NTRB Native Title Representative Bodies CLNSW, held four times a year and Service Providers https://www.ntrb.net

37 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10

R T RACS Refugee Advice and Casework TAAP Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service http://www.racs.org.au/ Program RJC Restorative Justice Centre TARS The Aged Care Rights Service RLCP Redfern Legal Centre Publishing http://www.tars.com.au/ (now part of Thomson Reuters) TIO Telecommunications Industry ROC Regional organisation of councils Ombudsman http://www.tio.com.au/ RRR Rural Regional & Remote TIS Translating and Interpreter Service RTO Registered training organisation http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in- australia/ S ToR Terms of Reference SACS Award Triple R Centres Social & Community Services CLCs in rural, regional and remote Award, the Industrial Award that areas (RRR) applies to many people working TTY Text telephone or typewriter in the CLC sector (NB: As of telephone 1 January 2010, CLC workers in all states except WA are under the TU Tenants’ Union of NSW Federal industrial relations system. http://www.tenants.org.au/ For further details see www.fairwork. gov.au) U http://www.industrialrelations.nsw. gov.au/NSW_State_Awards.html UN United Nations http://www.un.org/ SDRO State Debt Recovery Office http://www.sdro.nsw.gov.au/ UNE University of New England http://www.une.edu.au/ SPM State Program Manager, CLC funding program, based at UNSW University of New South Wales Legal Aid NSW http://www.unsw.edu.au/ SSAT Social Security Appeals Tribunal UTS University of Technology, Sydney http://www.ssat.gov.au/ http://www.uts.edu.au/ SSDM Strategic Service Delivery Model UWS University of Western Sydney http://www.uws.edu.au/ SSPI Service Standards & Performance Indicators State Office V Office of the secretariat of CLCNSW VCT Victim’s compensation VETAB Vocational Education & Training Accreditation Board http://www.vetab.nsw.gov.au/ VOCAL Victim of Crimes Assistance League http://vocal.org.au/

38 CLCNSW induction kit Part 10

W Womens Short for Women’s Legal Services (NSW) http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn. au/ Working with Children Checks Background checks conducted by NSW Commission for Children & Young People, for relevant criminal records, relevant AVOs and relevant employment proceedings. http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/kids/ working.cfm WSROC Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council http://www.wsroc.com.au/ WDVCAP Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Program. Program that provides funding for WDVCA schemes in NSW

Y YAPA Youth Action & Policy Association NSW http://www.yapa.org.au/ YJC Youth Justice Conferencing YLO Youth Liaison Officer (Police)

39 CLCNSW induction kit appendix 1: Staff induction

Coordinator’s/Director’s checklist Name of New Employee: Manager: Proposed day of commencement: If new staff member is Aboriginal, please contact the State Office regarding inclusion in the Aboriginal Advisory Group. One week prior to commencement: Required Completed

Get current Induction package from the CLC NSW, State Office intranet BBS address and password request by emailing [email protected] Once address and password are set up, access the Resume on the BBS and fill in the details:I n First Class click on File/Open/Resume and fill in the details. Advise clc administrator of removal of past staff member from BBS and email lists. Forward BBS email to centre specific email address if applicable (through ‘out of office’ reply function on BBS) Arrange for staff member’s inclusion on BBS email lists: (for example) • NSW Coord / Directors • NSW Principal Sols • NSW Admins list • RRR Centre list (identify Centre) Arrange Instruments of delegation if applicable Send welcome email to your CLC and Management Committee/Board the day before commencement to let staff know the new staff member’s name, role, telephone number (ext) and email address Arrange for a ‘Buddy’ from another CLC (in similar position and only if applicable) Make arrangements for: Keys Desk / Chair Computer

Day One: Required Completed

Give employee keys Show desk Tour of the office (kitchen, toilet etc) Building Orientation: Building security Hours of access Location of Fire Exits and evacuation plans| Kitchen Toilet Lunch room Meeting room/s Stationery Records Incoming and outgoing mail

40 CLCNSW induction kit This form can be downloaded from www.clcnsw.org.auPart 1

Local area orientation – point out shops, transport etc. Phone procedures – voicemail, transferring calls etc Discuss hours of work including TIL/flexitime/timesheet arrangements and leave requirements Review Induction Kit Complete pay forms and superannuation forms and give to Financial Officer (copies to employee) Discuss Position Description and work plan Overview of Organisational structure Introduction to ‘Buddy’ (if applicable) Give information regarding Union Membership Begin orientation to BBS

Week One: Required Completed

Orientation to systems used: BBS (follow up from day one) Other Computer systems (databases etc) Discuss Probation period objectives and review process Discuss work plan in more detail On the job training in any procedures used Discuss objectives of your CLC – management or operational plans if applicable Give copies of (if applicable): Enterprise Agreement SACS award Policies and procedures of centre (Code of Conduct, OH&S, Internet, Records etc) Conduct a workstation OHS assessment for new staff member

Weeks two to eight: Required Completed

Explain purchasing procedures – petty cash, travel allowance, meal allowance. Car usage (own or hired) and insurance issues Budget and Finance Orientation Schedule meetings for probationary reviews: 12 weeks of employment, 6 months, yearly appraisal Go through Induction Kit with new staff member section by section This form is to be completed in the first 8 weeks of employment, signed by the manager and placed in the employee’s personnel file.

This checklist may be reduced for temporary staff at the Manager’s discretion, depending on employment status, term of employment, responsibilities and delegations of the temporary staff member. This list is a comprehensive Induction list and not all items may apply to your centre. It may be adjusted as the Manager sees appropriate.

Induction tasks completed: Date: Manager

41 CLCNSW induction kit appendix 2: New Staff

New Staff Member Notification Form Staff Induction Coordinator’s/Director’s Checklist This form can be downloaded from www.clcnsw.org.au

A new staff member is starting at (CLC) on (date) Surname: First Name: Position Title: Work Phone number: Work email:

Manager’s/Supervisor’s name:

BBS training needed? Yes No

Coordinator’s / Director’s name:

Signature: Date:

Coordinator / Director, email this information to NSW State Office: [email protected] or fax to (02) 9212 7332

42 CLCNSW induction kit

Part 1

This induction kit provides new employees and volunteers with a guide to Community Legal Centres in NSW and access to resources of use to the sector