Media release
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS, BUSHFIRE REPORTERS, LEGAL REPORTERS
Please note bushfire legal help phone number 1800 113 432
PROTECT LEGAL DOCUMENTS AS PART OF BUSHFIRE PREPARATION
Important legal documents, including proof of identity papers, should be included in Relocation Kits, advises Bushfire
Legal Help.
After the Black Saturday fires, many people lost important documents which made it difficult to prove their identity and
created legal complications.
“Bushfire Legal Help assisted many people to establish their identity, and we advise that it would be a good idea for
people to copy and store important documents in case they are burnt out,” spokesperson Kerry O’Shea said.
“Many people had trouble finding or replacing wills, mortgage papers, birth certificates, insurance and other
documents after the fires,” she said.
The Victorian Government and CFA are advising all Victorians to be prepared for the 2010 bushfire season.
This includes packing a Relocation Kit which should contain items of value, important documents and personal
information you will need if you have to leave your home or property.
Bushfire Legal Help has prepared a checklist of information that could be copied and stored. Information is available
Checklist of important information you may need
Birth certificate
Passport
Marriage certificate
Will
Powers of Attorney papers
Land and/or house title or certificate
Mortgage papers
Rental/leasing documents for home or business rentals
Current insurance policies and contact details
Superannuation and investment details
Employment contract (workers)
Important business papers (small business)
Tax file number
Medicare number
Health insurance fund number
Bank account and credit card numbers
Bushfire Legal Help was established to provide pro bono support legal support and includes Victoria Legal Aid, the
Federation of Community Legal Centres, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Law Foundation, Public Interest Law
Clearing House and the Victorian Bar.
Media release - 23 December 2009
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Further information contact Kerry O’Shea on koshea@liv.asn.au or 0401 107103.
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