Keeping you covered through legal services

Member benefits Keeping you covered through legal services

There are a number of reasons why people join and remain a member of the SSTUWA. Throughout this year, we have been highlighting some of the reasons why SSTUWA membership is so important. In this edition, we will be taking a closer look at the wide range of legal services that are provided to members of the SSTUWA at either no cost, or with significant discounts on the standard legal fees. The members of our in-house Legal Services Team – including our advocates and case managers – work with the union’s legal services providers, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Tehan Legal and Eureka Lawyers – to represent you in employment matters and provide you with a range of other legal services. The legal services you receive as a member of the SSTUWA include: • A free consultation with Slater and

Gordon in relation to any matter connected with your employment or your professional registration. • Advice and representation in performance and conduct matters. • Advice and legal representation from

Slater and Gordon on a no-win, no-fee basis for: o Workers’ compensation claims (fees on successful workers’ compensation matters are limited to the other party’s contribution to fees, with no outof-pocket expenses to you). o Criminal injures compensation, public liability, professional negligence and product liability claims. • Significant discounts on Slater and

Gordon’s usual hourly rates for a range of other legal matters. • A free 30-minute consultation with

Tehan Legal regarding criminal law or restraining order matters. • Access 24/7 to urgent criminal law advice. • Financial assistance in certain circumstances to engage Tehan Legal in serious criminal law matters arising in the course of employment (subject to the conditions). • A free initial consultation from Eureka

Lawyers, and substantial reductions on the usual hourly rates, in relation to: o Wills. o Estate planning, probate and administration. o Family law. o Motor vehicle accident personal injury claims. (Where there is a reasonable prospect of a successful outcome, Eureka Lawyers will offer a legal costs agreement on a no-win, no-fee basis.) • A free simple will from Eureka

Lawyers, where a simple will is appropriate to your circumstances.

The SSTUWA will cover the cost of the will and, if a more complex will or a will for your partner/spouse is required, SSTUWA will contribute $150 towards your total costs.

How to get help with employment and professional matters

In the first instance, contact Member Assist on: (08) 9210 6060 or 1800 106 683.

You can also contact them by emailing memberassist@sstuwa.org.au If your matter is an urgent criminal matter (for example: arrests, search warrants or police interviews), contact Tehan Legal on 0411 276 966. In many cases we will be able to provide you with the advice and support you need to proceed at this first point of contact. If matters are more complex or if urgent representation is needed (for example, if a formal disciplinary investigation has already commenced), Member Assist will refer you to a member of our Legal Services Team who will work with you during the resolution of your case. Depending on the kind of support that you need, you will be assisted by a case manager or an advocate. Case managers generally work with members over a period of time on matters such as fitness for work and performance management, while advocates specialise in advice and representation when formal proceedings may be required. If necessary, the Legal Services Team will refer you to our lawyers, Slater and Gordon, Tehan Legal or Eureka Lawyers, for legal advice. We may provide funding for Slater and Gordon, Tehan Legal or Eureka Lawyers to represent you, where this is appropriate. It is comforting to know that as an SSTUWA member, we really do have you covered when it comes to legal services. To find out more, head over to sstuwa.org.au/legal where you will find a comprehensive guide to available legal services.