Law for Community Workers

By Legal Aid NSW

Keeping community workers, health workers and support workers up to date with legal topics and changes to the law.... more

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FAQs about Law for Community Workers:

How many episodes does Law for Community Workers have?

The podcast currently has 150 episodes available.

Law for Community Workers episodes:

August 14, 2025Do Your Own Divorce - the free tool everyone should know
In this episode, we introduce Do Your Own Divorce - a free, step-by-step online resource to help people in Australia apply for divorce through the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Designed to simplify the process, this tool is a valuable asset for community workers supporting clients through a divorce. We break down how it works, who it’s best for and how you can use it to provide clear, practical guidance—without the need for a lawyer.

Useful resources mentioned in this podcast:
Do Your Own Divorce: legalaid.nsw.gov.au/divorceguide
Community worker toolkit for using Do Your Own Divorce: bit.ly/dyodtips
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website: fcfcoa.gov.au
Divorce court filing fee information: fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/divorce/apply
Information about separation including arrangements for children: bit.ly/4owb5bL
Amica (parenting and property arrangements): amica.gov.au
Order free Do Your Own Divorce posters and postcards by emailing [email protected]

Episode transcript: bit.ly/418RB2K

Subscribe to our Law for Community Workers Alerts: bit.ly/lcwalert
Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
18min
May 13, 2025'Til the violence ends - Episode 5: Domestic violence and pets - Lucy's Project
This is the fifth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia. In this episode, Bridget speaks to Alison Waters, the Policy, Advocacy and Research Lead at Lucy's Project.

Lucy’s Project is a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence through collaboration, advocacy, research and education.
Lucy's Project website - lucysproject.com
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Transcript
Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]
...more
36min
February 24, 2025'Til the violence ends - Episode 4: Coercive control
This is the fourth episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia. In this episode, Bridget takes a deep dive into coercive control with criminal lawyers - Helen Shaw and Hayley Dean.
Timestamps:
2:41 - Background to coercive control
8:17 - What the law says
14:19 - Defences and limitations to the offence
20:26 - Changes to bail, AVOs and other legislation
32:21 - Case study of victim misidentification
40:58 - Tips for gathering evidence
44: 19 - Victim misplaced loyalty
47:37 - Additional support community workers can provide

Helpful apps mentioned in this podcast:
Empower you
Arc
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Transcript: Download the transcript
Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]
...more
58min
January 31, 2025‘Til the violence ends – Episode 3: Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
This is the third episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia. We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

In this episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education branch speaks to Tanya Whitehouse, coordinator of Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS). They discuss the role of WDVCAS in supporting women affected by domestic violence.

Link to the DVSAT tool via Communities and Justice: Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool | Family & Community Services

Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Download the transcript
Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]
...more
25min
December 20, 2024Civil law wrapped - what's new in 2024
What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features civil lawyer, Kyla, speaking about changes to the NDIS.
Listen to our other episodes in this series:
Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024?
Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024?

Download the transcript.
Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
10min
December 20, 2024Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024
What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW discuss key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features criminal lawyers, Hayley and Helen, discussing major changes around domestic violence including coercive control, domestic abuse and bail.

Listen to our other episodes in this series:
Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024
Civil law wrapped - what's new in 2024

See Legal Aid NSW's other resources about coercive control:
Criminal Law Division Podcast - Coercive control (Episode 1)
Webinar for community workers

Download the transcript.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
13min
December 20, 2024Family law wrapped – what’s new in 2024
What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, Natalie chats to specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW about key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features family lawyer, Cailey, speaking about parenting arrangements, property settlement and changing a child's name.

Listen to our other episodes in this series:
Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024?
Civil law wrapped - what's new in 2024?

Download the transcript.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
11min
December 18, 2024‘Til the violence ends – Episode 2: Domestic violence and tenancy
This is the second episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia. We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
In this second episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Lehana De Silva, solicitor Aboriginal Support at the Tenants’ Union of NSW about what you can do if you are experiencing domestic and family or sexual violence and you want to leave a tenancy.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
Tenants’ Union of NSW website: www.tenants.org.au
https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/domestic-violence
Fact sheet about leaving a tenancy when you are experiencing domestic violence https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domestic-violence
Supplementary guide to the fact sheet: https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/dv-guide
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Download the transcript
Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]
...more
33min
November 27, 2024'Til the violence ends – Episode 1: Introduction to series and WDVCAP
This is the first episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia. We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
In this first episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Bev Lazarou, who works in Legal Aid NSW’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program. Bev was recently named NSW Public Servant of the Year at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards for the work she does and has done for many years.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. www.1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. www.fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. www.13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - www.wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - www.sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
The UTS evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot is available on the UTS website on the link below:
OPUS at UTS: Evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot - Open Publications of UTS Scholars

To find out more information about what we talked about in this episode –
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-program
(this page includes a list of locations.
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/my-problem-is-about/my-family-or-relationship/domestic-and-family-violence/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-services

Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Editing by Pauline Matthews from Legal Aid NSW
Transcript: https://bit.ly/41E9ibt

Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]
Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
47min
November 20, 2024Not afraid – the story of an elder abuse survivor
In this special episode, Sasha and Lynn from Legal Aid NSW's Elder Abuse Service, chat to Peg, an elder abuse survivor, about her experience and getting legal help.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Service on (02) 4324 5611 or via Legal Aid NSW's team at LawAccess NSW. Call 1300 888 529 or chat online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
The content in this episode may be distressing for some listeners. If you need support, help is available.
Lifeline - 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT 1300 737 732
Download the transcript.
Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
...more
53min

FAQs about Law for Community Workers:

How many episodes does Law for Community Workers have?

The podcast currently has 150 episodes available.

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