Australia.
Providing legal information and advice to those affected by a natural disaster
Following the horrific Black Summer bushfires in Australia in 2019 and 2020, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia (NRFA) assisted several clients on a pro bono basis, for example:
1. Providing planning law advice and assistance to a local community legal centre in New South Wales related to formulating a council development application for a bushfire victim. This led to a successful outcome for the client.
2. Represented a bushfire victim in a state tribunal for misleading and deceptive conduct claims which arose from a housing and construction agreement. Our client received a favourable judgment.
3. Assisted a bushfire victim negotiate with their local council in relation to a new road that had to be built in the vicinity of their property.
Following the devastating floods on the eastern coast of Australia in 2021, NRFA assisted several clients on a pro bono basis, including:
1. During 2022, NRFA supported the rebuilding efforts of a local Aboriginal Land Council following the floods in northern New South Wales by providing advice related to planning and council issues.
2. NRFA advised several clients on potential claims against a caravan park arising from damage sustained to their properties during the floods. This involved advising the client with respect to their rights under their contract, drafting documents and assisting the client to negotiate a deed of settlement with the caravan park.
