Canberra Community Law provides free legal services and social work support to some of the most vulnerable Canberrans in urgent need of legal help. These people include those experiencing homeless, women escaping domestic violence, people with disabilities, people in public housing and those on Centrelink payments. We provide critical legal advice that can empower clients to understand their rights and access the support services they are entitled to receive.

Our advice and representation often makes the difference between:

• a person sustaining their tenancy or finding themselves on the street;
• getting the essential income support payment they need or finding themselves penniless;
• struggling under the weight of a crippling debt or accessing special circumstance relief from debts or release from unfair contracts.

What is the One Hour Appeal? Canberra Community Law is calling on the support of the legal profession to help us deliver vital legal services to people facing disadvantage in our community. We are launching an end of financial year 'One Hour' Appeal in which we are asking lawyers to make a tax deductible monetary donation the equivalent of one hour of their chargeable legal time. This will help fund free legal services to Canberrans who would not otherwise be able to access this assistance.

Why have we launched the appeal?

Unfortunately, due to an uncertain funding climate, Canberra Community Law's ability to keep delivering front line legal services is now in jeopardy. This uncertainty has had a direct impact on our ability to deliver our front line services - this year, Canberra Community Law has had to make the decision not to replace a senior litigation solicitor who carried a substantial proportion of our litigation case load. This solicitor worked primarily with clients with complex needs who were facing eviction from their homes. Without representation services, these vulnerable Canberrans may find themselves unable to effectively defend tribunal proceedings brought seeking their eviction.

How can I learn more?

Find out more at www.canberracommunitylaw.org.au