Old debts, new rights – why Centrelink might owe your clients money
Anyone who has had a Centrelink debt since 2003 can now claim money back from Centrelink under a new Scheme - but they need to act fast.
In this episode, Yolanda speaks with Dom Brown, a social security lawyer, about three major legal updates: the validation of income apportionment debts, the introduction of a new resolution scheme offering compensation payments, and expanded pathways for debt waivers, especially for people experiencing vulnerability.If you're supporting someone with a Centrelink debt, or think they may have been affected, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating the system, protecting their rights, and accessing available support.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Factsheet: Debt waivers and benefit restriction notices
Factsheet: Income apportionment validation and resolution scheme
Download the transcript.
Sign up to our Law for Community Workers newsletter. Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529.
14 Apr 2026
School rules: Exclusion and non‑attendance in NSW
What happens when a child stops attending or is excluded from school - and what are the legal consequences for families and schools?
In this episode, Yolanda takes a deep dive into school law in New South Wales, joined by legal experts Carey and Brodie. Together, they unpack how schools manage attendance and discipline, the legal obligations of parents, and what compulsory schooling orders actually mean in practice.
The conversation explores school exclusion in detail, including suspensions and expulsions, and the rights students have when these decisions are made. You’ll also hear about the complex social factors that sit behind non‑attendance, the respective roles of schools, Legal Aid NSW and community workers, and why early, supportive intervention can be critical in changing a young person’s life course.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Suspension and expulsion procedures | NSW Department of Education
Disability Standards for Education | Australian Government Department of Education
Youth Law Australia | Legal Services for Young People
Shopfront Youth Legal Centre
Marrickville Legal Centre
Community Legal Centres NSW
Chapter markers:
00:03:18 - School attendance rules
00:05:17 - School refusal
00:09:18 - Compulsory schooling orders
00:24:57 - Carey's tips for community workers
00:27:40 - School discipline rules
00:29:49 - Bullying
00:31:37 - Suspension and expulsion legal issues
00:43:30 - Disability and discrimination
00:47:22 - Case studies
00:52:45 - Brodie's tips for community workers
Download the transcript.
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529.
17 Sept 2025
The Rental Shift: NSW reforms explained
Originally recorded for NSW Law Week, the Tenants' Union of NSW breaks down the latest changes to rental laws in New South Wales.
Community Education Coordinator, Charlie Wilde chats to Principal Solicitor, Grant Arbuthnot about key reforms including changes to evictions, rent increases, pets, water efficiency requirements and more.
Find out more about the Tenants' Union of NSW and the new laws at tenants.org.au
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Tenancy law changes - Tenants' Union of NSW webpage and factsheet
Changes to rental laws - NSW Fair Trading
NCAT tribunal factsheets
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) website
Austlii
Watch the webinar of this episode.
Download the transcript.
Want to provide feedback or collaborate on a podcast? Email us at cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.
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