The ACT’s legal support agencies have adopted new working arrangements in their efforts to maintain service levels while ensuring the safety of the community and staff during the Coronavirus crisis.
Attorney-General, Gordon Ramsay announced that the ACT Human Rights Commission, the Public Trustee and Guardian, the Restorative Justice Unit and Canberra Community Law had all moved to audio-visual communications due to the pandemic.
Mr Ramsay said the safe provision of adequate legal advice remained a priority.
“As we manage this unprecedented event, the ACT Government is working with ACT’s legal support services to ensure we are still able to provide services while also minimising the health risk to all Canberrans,” Mr Ramsay said.
He said anyone required to self-isolate or who was feeling unwell should not attend any of the ACT legal support services.
“This includes those on bail or subject to summonses, subpoenas or other compulsory processes,” he said.
“Individuals in these circumstances must contact the applicable service in advance.
“They will then receive advice about how their matters will proceed.”
Mr Ramsay said the ACT’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS), Women’s Legal Centre, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT and Environmental Defenders Office ACT had also moved operations online.
“These measures will allow organisations to provide legal advice whilst ensuring the safety of the community and their staff,” he said.
