NEW migrants in Parramatta will have access to free family and civil law advice through a new partnership funded by the federal government.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Kate Lundy said the agreement between Settlement Services International and Legal Aid NSW meant that outreach clinics at Migrant Resource Centres in western Sydney could provide legal help.
"New migrants often turn to Migrant Resources Centres for advice on immigration and family law matters and now in western Sydney will have access to legal services tailored to their unique needs," Senator Lundy said.
Legal Aid lawyers have committed themselves to providing special workshops about the Australian legal system, specifically including family and civil law.
Parramatta MP Julie Owens said the new resource would save a lot of pain and confusion for new migrants.
"These are incredibly important services for new migrants, many of whom find it difficult to navigate through a new legal system in a new country," she said.
Centres providing the legal service are Auburn Diversity Services, SydWest at Blacktown, and Fairfield and Metro Migrant Resource Centres.