THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
MEDIA RELEASE
‘KNOWMORE’ – FREE LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICE FOR ROYAL COMMISSION
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC today launched a free, national legal advisory service for people engaging with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
"The Commonwealth Government is committed to ensuring people engaging with the Royal Commission receive the legal support that they need," Mr Dreyfus said.
"The 'knowmore' service is able to give advice on legal issues and on how to go about providing information to the Royal Commission.
"People can seek advice from the service and then choose whether or not they want to share their experiences or provide information to the Commission.
"The service will also advise people about other important legal issues such as witness and informant protections, the availability of compensation or other forms of action or redress, and the implications of existing confidentiality agreements."
Advice and assistance can be sought, in confidence, via a free nationwide telephone advice line, or through face-to-face services in selected locations.
The "knowmore" service is independent of the Royal Commission and is delivered by the National Association of Community Legal Centres.
The service employs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in its office and for its work in regional, rural and remote areas, and where appropriate, will work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal service providers.
In recognition of the importance of this service, the Australian Government has provided $18 million in funding over four years from 2012-2013.
"The Commonwealth Government will also provide financial assistance for the cost of legal representation for people appearing as witnesses before the Royal Commission when the formal hearings commence later this year," Mr Dreyfus said.
The telephone number for the "knowmore" free advice line is 1800 605 762. More information at www.knowmore.org.au
TUESDAY, 16 JULY 2013
