Done By Law

Consumer Debt - Denis Nelthorpe chats about debt problems

A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics study found that 70% of Australian Households have credit card debt. For many members of our community the burden of debt they can’t repay forces them to turn to short term, high interest loans, creating a downward spiral of debt. Many people aren’t aware of the services available to help them sort out their debt problems, or of the limits the law places on the power of service providers and debt collectors.

Tonight we’re joined by Denis Nelthorpe, a lawyer who has been fighting tirelessly for disadvantaged members of our community his entire legal career. He’s the Executive Director of the Footscray Community Legal Service and Wyndham Community Legal Centre and a Board Member of the Financial Ombudsman Scheme. One of his recent innovative projects is the National Bulk Debt Project which he has kindly agreed to talk to us about tonight.

13 September 2011: Social Security Special

With nearly one third of the population accessing some form of Centrelink payment social security law affects many members of our community. Many people may not be aware of what their rights are in relation to Centrelink decisions, or what risks are involved in failing to comply with their obligations. Tonight on Done By Law we speak with Len Jaffit and Michael Freedman from Victoria Legal Aid about how to review Centrelink decisions, and what to expect if you are charged with social security fraud.

Income Management: Learning from Indigenous Experience: 6 July

The NT intervention’s caused much heartache in remote communities. Extentsive restrictions were imposed on indigenous communities with respect to grog, income and controversially pornography. But it’s income management that has affected the lives of indigenous people the most. Instead of receiving money from Centrlink their payments are quarantined to be used for specific purposes. Communities in the Northern Territory have been having their income managed and the response of the communities has been mixed, but many people find it degrading and discriminatory. Well, in the NT, it’s all changing as income management is rolled out to some non-indigenous people. Tonight, we’re joined by Welfare Right solicitor at the Northern Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency, Nadia Rosenman to tell us what she’s learned about the scheme.