Welfare Law

Welfare law is an area that has grown with the increasing sophistication of the welfare state. We have a comprehensive appreciation of the complexities and the broad body of legislation that governs this area. We regularly represent clients in the areas of debt, discrimination, mental health, welfare benefits, employment, education, community care, immigration and housing and therefore are able to appreciate the legal  and underpinning social issues faced by such clients.

We have expertise in dealing with a range of welfare and community law issues that include:

• The welfare system 
• Social Services such as Centrelink disputes, debt management and taxation issues 
• Access to law
• The family and family law issues
• Domestic violence
• Criminal law 
• Divorce
• Child support and welfare 
• Youth and access to justice
• Income support
• Housing 
• Guardianship and financial management issues 
• Elder matters such as aged care, nursing homes  and elder abuse
• Social Policy
• Disability issues and support services 
• Gambling problems 

Some of the legislation which we advise on is:

• A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
• A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999
• Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Act 2015
• Carer Recognition Act 2010
• Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989
• Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988
• Disability Services Act 1986
• Gambling Measures Act 2012
• National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013
• National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality and Safeguards Commission and Other Measures) Act 2011
• Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
• Social Security Act 1991
• Social Security (Administration) Act 1999
• Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999
• Student Assistance Act 1973
• Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994

We represent clients before tribunals and court's such as the Children's Court as well as in tenancy disputes before the New South Wales Civil and  Administrative Tribunal. Our experienced lawyers are sensitive to the needs of our clients and understand the difficult and stressful situations that people can find themselves in.  

We also liaise with Government departments, allied health professionals such as social workers  and private agencies to assist clients to obtain the best outcomes for those clients.

Victor Milostnik is an integral part our team and  is a qualified consultant who assists clients with all welfare matters and works closely with our lawyers to provide sensitive, respectful and timely practical advice.