The Everyday Legal Issues...
Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
There are State and National laws that protect people with disability if they are treated unfavorably because of their disability.
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At Equality Lawyers, we understand that discrimination can be really obvious, like not being able to get your wheelchair into a local shop. But other times it can be more subtle, like not having a fair go at school or work.
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Under discrimination laws, we may be able to stop the way you are being treated or improve the situation for other people with disability who may like to use that good or service in the future.
In some situations, it may be as simple as discussing the issue with the business or service. But if the issue is not able to be resolved, we can assist you to complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission or state Equal Opportunity Commissioner.
We can work with you to identify what has happened, and go through what can be done about it. Ensuring you, or a person you care for has equal opportunity is at the core of our business.
If you would like to discuss your experience, contact us now.
Guardianship and Administration
Sometimes a person may have difficulty making certain decisions about where they live, what they do day-to-day or when managing their money. This can be risky for the person and those who care for them. If the person has a "mental incapacity", a guardianship or administration order may be needed to make those decisions legally.
Under most state and territory guardianship laws, a person can be appointed for
someone to make their accommodation, lifestyle, medical and financial decisions. The ‘substitute decision maker’ for the person may be a family member or a Public Advocate.
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Legal help may be needed in knowing when to get these orders in place or if the order needs to be stopped or changed. There may have been a change in circumstances or the person believes that they or a different person should be making decisions.
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If you need legal help with a guardianship or administration order, contact us today.
NDIS Reviews and Appeals
People with disability who need support in their everyday life may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). When accessing the NDIS, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will make decisions about whether a person can receive funding and how much funding they can have.
Sometimes people with disability are denied access to the NDIS or are given an NDIS Plan which does not have what they need. If something like this happens, you may be able to appeal the decision.
Appeals need to be made quickly and it may not be clear what you need to do, but don’t worry, we can help!
At Equality Lawyers, we are very responsive and will be able to give you the advice to help you to decide what to do next. If you do need to appeal a decision, we can also help you through that process. Unlike other lawyers, we understand what disability support looks like and how important it is that people with disability and their supporters have a say in what those supports are. You won’t need to spend time and money explaining to us what the NDIS is, you just have to tell us what supports you need and how the NDIS has not given that to you.
Let us help you to get the support you need and contact us today.
Centrelink Reviews and Appeals
In Australia, social security payments (also known as "Centrelink" or "welfare") are available for people who cannot work.
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Some people with disabilities are eligible for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and other social security payments. But legal issues can come up if your application for the DSP is declined, or your payments stop, reduce or get deferred.
Social security law is complex but it's important you know the process and seek help when you need it.
We can provide advice and representation if you disagree with a Centrelink decision. Contact us today for more information.