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Buckle Up!

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:01:25 GMT

Seatbelt Detection Cameras are now in Operation in NSW

As of 1 July 2024, NSW residents will be subject to the enforcement of seatbelt regulations by existing mobile phone detection cameras on NSW roads whilst driving or riding in a motor vehicle. The new penalties mark a significant step forward in enhancing road safety standards across the state.

Key Changes

Penalties apply if you or your passengers are not wearing a seatbelt OR wearing one incorrectly. Incorrect usage of a seatbelt includes wearing the sash under the arm. All passengers in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt, regardless of their seating position. This includes rear-seat passengers, who were previously exempt from mandatory seatbelt usage in certain circumstances. There will be no grace period or warning letter issued.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can result in fines and demerit points for drivers. The penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the number of unrestrained passengers and whether they are children or adults.

Statistics reveal that 150 people died between 2019 and 2023 due to not wearing a seatbelt. The law aims to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision, ensuring that every occupant of a vehicle is properly restrained. As legal professionals, we emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to the new seatbelt legislation. Drivers have a duty of care to ensure that all passengers are safely secured before embarking to a destination.

Impact on Insurance Claims

The enforcement of stringent seatbelt laws can also impact personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Failure to wear a seatbelt can potentially affect the outcome of a claim, as contributory negligence may be considered if injuries could have been mitigated or prevented by seatbelt usage.

For further guidance on how these changes may affect you or your legal rights or if you or anyone you know has received a penalty notice, do not hesitate to consult with Emilda Israel or one of our friendly legal practitioners for more information

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations may vary, and individuals should seek personalised legal counsel regarding their specific circumstance.

Struggling to Pay Your Legal Fees? We Can Help!

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:36:19 GMT

Financing Your Family Law Matter With JustFund

Simon Diab & Associates has proudly partnered with JustFund to offer our clients greater financial independence,

particularly through family law litigation funding.

For some clients it can be a struggle to afford legal fees and disbursements, and limited

access to funding sometimes means the settlement process stalls and clients get stuck.

This partnership enables our clients to access the legal assistance they deserve to settle their family law matters and move on with their lives without the burden of immediate financial constraints.

Who is JustFund?

Justfund provides an innovative new approach to helping clients pay legal bills. They are Australia’s first and only dedicated family law finance provider. They work with leading family law firm partners across Australia to offer assistance with legal fees. This is a game-changer for those in a financially difficult position.

People struggle with accessing legal services for many reasons. For example, a financially dependent spouse experiencing family violence may seek assistance removing themselves from that environment. However, their financial dependence severely limits their options. JustFund takes the stress out of seeking financial relief. They offer a flexible and affordable line of credit to cover legal expenses and disbursements during your separation and you can apply at any stage of the settlement process. Their services simplify access to legal funding for financially disadvantaged parties.

JustFund’s services only cover matters related to property settlements.

*Unfortunately, JustFund cannot cover cases that only involve parenting arrangements. However, if you’re organising parenting and property matters simultaneously, JustFund can assist.

Here is How it Works

1. Application

Apply directly to JustFund.com, it takes just 20 minutes, is free to do so and there is no impact on your

credit score.

2. Assessment

JustFund will assess your eligibility, based on essential information such as the amount of funding required relative to the amount you are likely to receive from your property split. You will typically receive a response within a week.

3. Approval

Once approved, Justfund will set up a line of credit for you. Your family lawyer will send invoices to you, and we’ll

cover them.

4. Eligibility

JustFund will provide a line of credit to individuals negotiating a property split as part of their separation. This can include parenting matters if it is connected to, or being run alongside a property split.

5. Repayment

Repayment isn’t necessary until your family matter has been resolved. You’re only

required to repay the credit you used as a lump sum.

Changes to the Department of Home Affairs’ phone services

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 05:08:34 GMT

Do you need to contact the Department in or out of Australia?

The Australian Department Home Affairs has a new Global Service Centre (GSC) that has replaced the Europe, Americas and Sydney Service Centres.

The nine Europe Service Centre (ESC) numbers and the America Service Centre (ASC) numbers have changed to a single Australian based phone number +61 2 61960196 . Clients calling from overseas must include the ISD code, country code, and area code when calling from a landline. International rates will continue to apply.

Clients calling from Australia can continue to use 131 881 .

For our overseas clients who have applications awaiting decision offshore, please do not not phone your local Embassy or High Commission switchboard regarding general visa or immigration enquiries . Embassy or High Commission staff will not be able to assist and will simply refer you to the new GSC number +61 2 6196 0196. When you call this number, will be able to access an interpreter at no additional charge by pressing six on the phone menu.

For our clients in Australia please note that 'drop in' or general enquiry services currently offered from our Australian offices will now be available online. From December 2018, our local offices will offer services by appointment only.

Also please note that the Department has recently released an improved website (beta site) operating in parallel with the regular website, to make it easier for clients to find visa, immigration and citizenship information. The beta site can be accessed at http://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

You can also use the Visa Finder tool to help you decide what visa is the best for your circumstances, apply for most visas using ImmiAccount, or check the status of their visa using myVEVO.

Frustrated from the Citizenship Delays

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 08:26:18 GMT

We have just the solution for you!

As a migrant from back in the 'old good days' in the late 1980s, I can understand the importance of obtaining Australian citizenship for people who chose to call Australia home.

I remember the pride and excitement I had in waiting for the test to be approved and to be invited for the Citizenship ceremony. I felt the luckiest girl in the world, when the Mayor called out my name and I walked up the stage among a large crowd witnessing this important day of my life. I recall singing the Australian anthem as a proud new Australian, holding my hard-yellow-coloured Australian Citizenship certificate, feeling the most content young lady in the whole wide world.

This great privilege allowed me to work in federal government at the start for a six month temporary position in 1989 that led to a career for over 24 years. I no longer work for the federal government since 2013. I am a newly admitted Solicitor and an experience Australian Registered Migration Agent since 2006. Australia has enriched me with great learning, respect for democracy and appreciation of the great privileges and responsibilities that come with the Australian Citizenship.

I am a proud Australian, my commitment and allegiance is to Australia and to the Queen!

This is what I wish for all the eligible permanent residents in Australia to become proud true Australians to grow to be productive, admirable and noble citizens who have Australia's best interest as their priority.

I am here to assist you to reach this dream of becoming an Australian Citizen. As the registered migration agent MRN0636719 and solicitor, call me : Eva Abdelmessiah on (02) 9630 7000 or email me: eva@simondiab.com.au