Date 01 November 2023
People affected by the Queensland bushfires can access free legal help from Legal Aid Queensland.
Consumer advocate and principal lawyer Paul Holmes said Legal Aid Queensland could help people with their legal problems stemming from the bushfires.
“Staying safe has to be the number one priority,” Mr Holmes said.
“As well as being emotionally difficult, the bushfires and their devastating aftermath can create a range of legal issues to deal with.
“Anyone who has been affected by the fires can contact Legal Aid Queensland for free legal help – whether that’s about problems with an insurance claim, struggling to pay the bills because you’ve lost work due to
the fires, or even family law issues, we can help.
“Call the Legal Aid Queensland Natural Disaster Legal Help Line on 1300 527 700.”
Mr Holmes encouraged people who have insurance policies and whose properties have been impacted by the fires to lodge claims with their insurer as soon as possible.
“It’s also important for people to write down what they’ve experienced so they can provide that information to insurance assessors,” he said.
“Do this as soon as you can so you don’t forget any important points.
“Once it’s safe to return to the site, write a list of the property destroyed or damaged and take photos or video of the affected property, to support your claim.
“I also encourage those impacted by the bushfires to apply for any state and Commonwealth grants you qualify for.”
For more information call 1300 527 700 or visit the Legal Aid Queensland website.
Media contact:
Miranda Greer 0413 315 491 / 3917 0406
Amanda Catania 3917 0407 / 0413 001 039
Last updated 1 November 2023