Three new publications have been launched to provide better access to justice for both older Canberrans and people with disability in the ACT.
Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury said the 2021 Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) Diary, the Capacity Guidelines and the Capacity Toolkit supported the Territory’s goal to be an inclusive city.
“The 2021 Older Persons ACT Legal Service Diary is an innovative and accessible resource designed to help older people engage with legal issues impacting them,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The diary covers matters such as the rights of residents in retirement villages, tenancy rights, estate planning, scam awareness and practical measures for grandparents, such as school holiday dates,” he said.
Minister for Disability, Emma Davidson said the Capacity Guidelines and Toolkit, commissioned under the ACT’s Disability Justice Strategy 2019-2029, would help people in the legal profession meet and understand the needs of those with disability as clients and service users.
Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid ACT, John Boersig said the Capacity Guidelines offered legal practitioners a framework to assess a person’s ability to make decisions for themselves and deal with their affairs.
“The Toolkit is a practical resource for family and carers of people, including the elderly and adults with disability, who may need support to make decisions about legal and other matters,” Dr Boersig said.
The 24-page Capacity Guidelines can be accessed on Legal Aid’s website at this PS News link and the 20-page Capacity Toolkit at this link.
Hard copies of the 2021 OPALS Diary and the Legal Capacity Guidelines and Toolkit are available through Legal Aid ACT.
