Free Legal Help Available for Cyclone-Affected Residents
Residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in New South Wales can access free legal assistance through Legal Aid NSW.
The Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) is offering advice and support on a range of issues related to insurance claims, tenancy disputes, disaster relief payments, financial hardship, employment concerns, and family violence.
Early Legal Advice is Key
Disaster solicitor Ma’ata Solofoni emphasized the importance of seeking legal help early, particularly when dealing with insurance claims.
“The earlier someone seeks legal advice, the better the outcome. If your home has been damaged by severe weather, we can help negotiate with insurers, challenge denied claims, and provide guidance on what immediate steps to take.”
The DRLS team can assist residents with:
✔ Navigating insurance claims and appealing declined coverage.
✔ Accessing temporary accommodation through insurance policies.
✔ Negotiating urgent rental property repairs and preventing evictions.
✔ Applying for disaster grants and payments.
✔ Addressing employment concerns if work has been affected.
Where to Access Legal Help
Legal Aid NSW has a mobile team available to provide in-person assistance at Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points established by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
For legal help, residents can:
📞 Call the DRLS Helpline: 1800 801 529
🌐 Visit the website: disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Legal Support Helps Avoid Long-Term Hardship
Meredith Osborne, Executive Director of the Civil Law Division at Legal Aid NSW, highlighted how early legal intervention can prevent serious financial and social consequences.
“Timely legal help can stop small issues from escalating into long-term problems like homelessness, financial hardship, and unemployment.”
Between 1 January 2020 and 28 February 2025, Legal Aid NSW provided 13,529 legal services to over 6,500 individuals affected by disasters across 110 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in NSW.
Media & Community Messaging
Media outlets covering the cyclone recovery are encouraged to share the following information:
💬 Free legal help is available for cyclone-affected residents through Legal Aid NSW’s Disaster Response Legal Service. Call 1800 801 529 or visit disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au for assistance.
