National Legal Aid has launched a new national legal advice and information service to support people to engage with the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The Australian Government-funded service will provide free and independent legal information, advice and referral options for people considering participation, including making voluntary submissions.
National Legal Aid Executive Director Yvette D’Ath welcomed the Commonwealth’s investment in the service and said it was essential that people seeking to share their experiences with the Royal Commission could access independent legal support that helps them understand their rights, options and the process ahead.
For many people, engaging with a Royal Commission can be daunting and deeply personal. Access to free, independent legal information and advice can make a critical difference in helping people understand their options and participate safely,
Ms. D’Ath said.
This service is designed to support people to engage with the Royal Commission in an informed way, with legal assistance that is trauma-informed, culturally safe and responsive to individual needs.
The service will support people who are not formal witnesses before the Royal Commission, but who may wish to engage with it, including by providing information about the Royal Commission process, legal issues that may arise in making a submission, and referral pathways for further assistance where needed. National Legal Aid said the service would draw on the national reach and expertise of Legal Aids across Australia in delivering legal assistance to people experiencing vulnerability, disadvantage and trauma.
Legal Aid Commissions have deep experience delivering accessible, trauma informed and high-quality legal assistance across Australia including support to engage in Royal Commission processes. People engaging with this Royal Commission should be able to do so with confidence that the legal help available is independent, respectful and delivered in a way that recognises the impacts of trauma and the importance of cultural safety.
Ms. D’Ath said.
People seeking assistance can contact the Royal Commission Legal Assistance Service for free legal information, help and advice, including about voluntary submissions to the Royal Commission, by email or phone listed below.
For email enquiries, please include your suburb or postcode and the state or territory you live in.