Released 10/10/2018
Canberrans will now be able to access free legal information through an easy-to-use guide explaining ACT Laws, and an online Chat Line connecting users with a paralegal.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay joined the Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid ACT today to launch the new ACT Law Handbook and the Legal Aid Chat Line which will provide Canberrans with a range of options when seeking legal assistance.
“There has been a strong increase in demand for legal assistance in civil law matters, and the Handbook has been developed as a response to the need for accessible, up-to-date and relevant legal information.
“The Handbook provides Canberrans with information on a wide variety of legal topics, with sections on specific issues, as well as a ‘contacts and resources’ component. This provides easy access to legal services people can contact to deal with their specific inquiry. The Legal Aid Chat Line is a free confidential web chat service connecting visitors to the Legal Aid website with a paralegal during business hours.
“We understand that a legal problem is usually only one part of a person’s difficulties and that’s why the Handbook and Chat Line go one step further to provide key referral points to social services in easy to use formats.”
Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid ACT Dr John Boersig said the Legal Aid website has also been revamped in line with the Handbook being launched.
“Legal Aid ACT has updated its website to improve accessibility, with users able to choose from over 100 languages. The Chat Line will allow website visitors to ask questions and receive answers in real time during business hours,” Dr Boersig said.
“The Handbook and Chat Line embody Legal Aid’s commitment to providing holistic, appropriate legal assistance, which enables Canberrans to understand and assert their legal rights, as well as resolve their issues.”
The ACT Law Handbook currently consists of 38 chapters, with contributions from over 50 experts and experienced practitioners, including academics, lawyers, and subject-matter experts from the ACT and across Australia.
Legal Aid ACT has worked with the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) and collaborated with other community legal service providers to develop the Handbook.
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Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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