There would not be anyone amongst us who has not been touched by cancer. It may be yourself, a family member or a friend. Many of us here at Brydens Lawyers have, regrettably, our own experiences with cancer.
It is one of the reasons why we strongly support the Leukaemia Foundation.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This is an international event which has been helping tell the story of blood cancer each September since 2010.
September is also home to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, World Lymphoma Awareness Day and Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Day. Each of these events will be marked by the Leukaemia Foundation.
As part of its My Life Counts Campaign, the Leukaemia Foundation supports research and development for the purpose of achieving its goal; zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
The State of the Nation Report prepared by the Leukaemia Foundation provides that by 2035, 275,000 Australians will be living with blood cancer – more than double the number of people battling the disease today. Due to the urgency of the report’s findings, the Federal Government has announced the development of a National Blood Cancer Task Force and has charged the Leukaemia Foundation with delivering Australia’s first national strategic action plan for blood cancer.
Brydens Lawyers has been a strong supporter of the Leukaemia Foundation for some time. We will continue to do so noting the incredibly important work that they undertake.
Hopefully, we will all live in a world where blood and all other cancers have been forever eradicated.
If you are able to financially assist by making a contribution to the Leukaemia Foundation or any other worthwhile charitable organisation, then I strongly encourage you to do so. After all, there but for the grace of God could go all of us.

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On 12 September 2019 all staff at Brydens Lawyers will be encouraged to wear yellow and start a meaningful conversation with their colleagues about mental health and wellbeing in recognition of R U OK? Day.
Many of us have, from time to time, held concerns that a colleague may be feeling the pressures of work or life generally. It may be that they behave differently, are a little withdrawn or agitated. Generally we are pretty good at identifying a friend in need.
If that is the case then it is time to ask that friend or colleague, R U OK? It may be that they simply want someone to talk to. It may be that they require expert intervention. When you ask someone, R U OK, be prepared for the answer. If you do not think that you are the right person to have the conversation, then you should engage the assistance of a support network who can talk with your friend or colleague.
Mental health and wellbeing has been, quite properly, the subject of much discussion in recent years. There is no shame attached to mental health and wellbeing issues. It is a condition, like all other conditions, that can be readily identified and treated. Mental health and wellbeing concerns do not discriminate. They cover all socio-economic groups, men and women, the young and old.
One of the most concerning features of mental health and wellbeing issues is a reluctance on the part of those who are suffering to seek help or speak to someone. That is why it is incumbent upon all of us to ask, R U OK? Not just on 12 September 2019 but whenever we feel that someone may need help.
If there is someone that you feel requires professional support then there are a number of organisations available to assist.
For professional intervention or expert counselling contact:

Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Griefline 1300 845 745

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The post Broadcast 1 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

Strip Searches
The Redfern Legal Centre has published a report entitled “Rethinking Strip Searches by NSW Police” which provides a most helpful and comprehensive review of the strip search laws enforced by NSW police up to 30 June 2018.
Firstly, it was noted that strip searches were used by NSW Police 277 times “in the field”, which means outside Police custody or in a station, in the 12 month period to 30 November 2006. In the 12 month period to 30 June 2018 the number of strip searches undertaken in the field was in excess of 5400.
The report was authored by lawyers and academics from the University of NSW relying on information and data from NSW Police records recovered pursuant to freedom of information legislation.
The data revealed that strip searches in NSW had increased by 47% over the previous four years but that this trend was not identified nationally. In fact, strip searches conducted in Queensland had declined between 2016 and 2018.
The authors of the report concluded that many of the strip searches were conducted with dubious legal justification and that 64% of the searches undertaken found nothing related to a criminal offence. Young people and indigenous Australians were disproportionately targeted with 45% of all strip searches undertaken involved people under 25 years of age and 10% of all strip searches in the field involved Indigenous Australians despite Indigenous Australians representing only 3% of the population.
More than 50 organisations are members of the legal profession, including NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery QC and former Chief Justice of the Family Court, Elizabeth Evatt AC indicated their support for legislative change given their concerns about the rise in the use and application of strip searches in NSW.
Brydens Lawyers are strong supporters of the NSW police and have no doubt that the overwhelming majority of the NSW police officers fulfil their duties with the highest level of integrity and honour and strictly in compliance with the laws of NSW. Having said that we endorse the conclusion of the report which provides:

“The power to strip search is one that ought to be exercised in exceptional and serious circumstances only, consistent with international human rights standards and social policy goals such as harm reduction.”

Thank you

The post Latest News From Lee 29th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

This Friday, 30 August 2019 all staff at Brydens Lawyers will be encouraged to wear their favourite sporting jersey to show their support for the “Donate Life” network.
As has been widely reported, Jersey Day was inspired by the story of Nathan Gremmo. Nathan passed as result of injury sustained in an accident in May 2015 and thereafter Nathan’s family chose to donate Nathan’s organs which directly led to the saving of the lives of six people, five young adults and a baby.
How prophetic.
The facts surrounding organ donation are startling. One organ and tissue donated can transform the lives of 10 or more people. Around 1,500 people in Australia are on an organ transplant waiting list at any time. Australia leads the world for successful transplant outcomes. In 2014, 378 organ donors benefited 1,117 transplant recipients. More than 60% of families have given consent for organ and tissue donation to proceed.
Jersey day is all about raising awareness, not funds. All of us should seriously consider being a donor if the circumstances arise. It can be an uncomfortable conversation with family, but an important one. If we do not know whether a family member would be prepared to donate in the circumstances, then we should ask. Knowing that family member’s decision would make it much easier to decide if and when the situation arose.

The post Latest News From Lee 28th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

Brydens Lawyers has an affiliation with a number of NRL and Canterbury Cup teams. These partnerships afford us an opportunity to interact with some of the finest young men that we have had the pleasure of knowing.
However, like all young men, rugby league players are not immune from challenges and opportunities that present themselves, but given their high profile within the broader community, there are challenges and opportunities which are peculiar to their circumstances.
On occasion, a young rugby league player like all young men, can make a mistake.
In recognition of our special relationship with these NRL and Canterbury Cup teams Brydens Lawyers has implemented an information and education seminar we present to the players for the purpose of educating them about the criminal justice system in NSW. The seminar deals specifically with those areas that would be of most relevance to these young men. They include:

Drug and alcohol offences
Traffic offences
Sexual assault offences
Recording and/or disseminating private material without consent.

The seminars have been well received. Many of the young men have a fair idea as to what is and is not legal under the criminal justice system. Many however found it particularly illuminating and educational, informing them as to the legality or illegality of conduct which might otherwise be thought to be fairly common place.
Of particular concern was the recording and dissemination of material which would be considered private. Such incidences were of course highly publicised during the recent off-season where many NRL players were caught up in a “sex-tape” scandal which saw a number of players find themselves in hot water for having sent material without the consent of those involved. The law which pertains to the dissemination of such material is clear. If the consent of the person seen in the video is not obtained then the dissemination of the video by the person making the video, or any other person, would be a criminal offence.
Brydens Lawyers has a specialised Criminal Law Division headed by Mr Avinash Singh. If you or anyone you know has or is likely to be charged with an offence then expert legal representation is necessary to ensure that you are properly advised and represented in any criminal proceedings. Should you require advice and/or representation in any criminal matter, contact Brydens Lawyers.
Thank you

The post Latest News From Lee 27th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

In conjunction with Variety – The Children’s Charity, Brydens Lawyers has implemented an information and education program for parents and carers of children facing chronic illness, disability or special needs.
The presentation is focused upon succession planning, that is putting into place arrangements so as to ensure the continuing care, maintenance and education of the child after the parents or carers have passed. It is a particularly delicate subject, often considered but rarely spoken of.
The seminar provides an opportunity for parents and carers of children facing such challenges to interact with professional staff to consider the best way of structuring their affairs so as to ensure that the continuing needs of their children are met. This includes discussions as to preparation of a Will, appointment of Financial Managers or Guardians, creation of Testamentary Trusts and the like.
All of us believe that we have challenges in our lives that have to be met and dealt with. However, the challenges that face the parents and carers of children with special needs put all of our problems into perspective. Through our association with Variety we have developed a genuine admiration for the work that it undertakes throughout the broader community and now, that admiration extends to the parents and carers whom we have met through this program.
If you are involved with any organisation which provides for children with chronic illness, disability or any special need, then all of us at Brydens Lawyers would be more than happy to address the parents and carers of these children as to what can be done to assist in the long-term with the continuing care, maintenance and education of the child. Should you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact us here at Brydens Lawyers or Variety – The Children’s Charity directly.
Thank you

The post Latest News From Lee 20th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

As many of our clients and friends of the firm would be aware, Brydens Lawyers has for some time advertised on 2GB. We are also the sponsor of the Continuous Call Team.
Recently a number of clients and members of the public have made contact with us to express concerns with respect to Brydens Lawyers advertising on 2GB following the controversial remarks made by Mr Alan Jones when referencing the New Zealand Prime Minister, Ms Jacinda Ardern.
The advertising by Brydens Lawyers on 2GB should not in any way be construed as an endorsement or condoning of the controversial remarks made by Mr Jones. In fact, we find the remarks grossly offensive.
Any language which imports even the mere suggestion of violence towards women is totally unacceptable.
As a father of three girls and the employer of many women I believe that it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that women are treated with respect and dignity at all times. Words matter and we must choose our words carefully. Intemperate remarks can have serious consequences.
I am currently reviewing our current advertising relationship with 2GB.
Thank you.

The post Latest News From Lee 19th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

It has been reported (SMH 9 August 2019) that the State Government will be simplifying the process of resolving personal injury claims by workers and drivers whose disputes are dealt with under two different systems. The independent tribunal will, apparently, take the place of bureaucrats to resolve such complaints. It is always of interest when a government announces that it intends to simplify the process.
There is an assumption that simplification means an improvement. That is not always the case. Here, by simplifying the process, what the Government is proposing to do is to remove, as it has already done so in many cases, the ability of an injured person to have their claim for compensation for injuries sustained determined by a judge.
Having litigated such claims for over 30 years I can assure you that there is no alternative for a claimant but to have their case determined by a judge of the court. Judges represent the upper echelons of our legal system imposing equitable and fair determinations according to
the rule of law. There is no substitute. It is my experience that the overwhelming majority of claimants feel that their matters have been determined fairly and properly only when they have had the opportunity to have their day in court.
This does not occur with tribunals or commissions or any other “simplified” process that the Government now wants to introduce. The article to which I refer also bespeaks of “legal aid” and that it is to be extended from workers compensation claimants to those with a CTP claim.
Surely this cannot be right.
Legal aid is funded by the taxpayers of NSW and is only meant to be available to assist those who are unable to afford legal
representation for themselves in limited cases. Legal aid should not be used to subsidise claims which are being brought by persons who have been injured during the course of their employment (for which the employer carries workers compensation insurance) or for persons seeking damages for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident which was not their fault, with the vehicle at fault being insured with a CTP insurer.
Why would legal aid be available to persons making claims against insurance companies who have received a premium and accepted the risk of someone being injured in these compensable circumstances? I can only assume that it will be some facility that is fully funded by the insurers. After all, it is the insurers who are benefiting most by all of these government changes.
Regrettably we are drawn to the conclusion that every “reform” or “simplification” enacted by this Government in connection with the making of a claim for personal injury favours the interests of the insurers over the interests of the injured person seeking compensation.
The relevant Minister, Mr Victor Dominello, is quoted as saying that the proposed changes will make “life easier for people injured at work and on our roads by simplifying the process”. If Mr Dominello was genuinely interested in making life easier for people injured at work or on the road then he would not have implemented a systematic reduction in benefits available to such injured persons by way of amendment to the legislative schemes over the last few years. Also, the Minister would have ensured that the costs recoverable by injured persons
under the schemes are sufficient to engage proper legal representation so as to ensure that the entitlements of injured persons are being fully met.
When it comes to considering the interests of the injured person as opposed to the insurance company, we know where this Government’s loyalties lie.

The post Latest News From Lee 13th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

The disaster that is the 132-Unit Mascot Towers which has been plagued with structural defects, has highlighted the need for government intervention to more strictly regulate builders and developers.A report prepared on behalf of the Government, some 18 months ago, proposed obligations to be imposed upon developers and builders which would include:

the designers of the buildings must declare that they are compliant with the Building Code of Australia.
the designers be registered.
there be an industry-wide duty of care legislated.
a building Commissioner be appointed.There is no doubt that imposing a duty of care upon builders and developers, in addition to the statutory obligations which also exist, would go a long way to ensuring strict compliance with the relevant design and building codes. Such obligations would have to be imposed upon the individuals as well as the companies involved so as to eliminate the incorporation of $2 companies who can thereafter avoid any obligations or liabilities by simply liquidating. The legal profession has been uniform in its response to the State Government’s proposed reforms. What is needed is comprehensive consumer protection which has been significantly weakened for over two decades. For example there appears to have been no logical argument available to the restriction on home warranty insurance to residential buildings below 4 storeys. Also, the 7 year statutory warranty for all defects was reduced to 6 years for “major” defects and a 2 year warranty for other defects. Such anomalies must be addressed. The reforms must be directed to all aspects of property development including but not limited to design and construction.If you have suffered loss as a result of poor quality design and/or construction whether it be related to the purchase of a unit or home, Brydens Lawyers has expert property lawyers available to assist in the investigation of your rights in order to recover compensation to which you would be entitled. Call Brydens Lawyers today on 1800 848 848.

The post Latest News From Lee 05th August 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

Since the introduction of the Motor Accident Injuries Act on 1 December 2017 the involvement of insurers in the management of claims by injured motorists has expanded significantly. So much so that the overwhelming majority of injured persons who seek to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident do not engage legal representation.
Such persons, for whatever reason, choose to deal directly with an insurer. Some may feel that they do not require legal representation. Others, I am certain, are being coerced by insurers representatives not to engage legal representation based upon assurances that they will be well looked after.
In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth.
The insurer with whom a claimant deals is invariably the insurer of the vehicle at fault for the accident. The interests of the injured person and the insurer conflict. The injured person seeks to recover proper compensation for the injuries which they have sustained through no fault of their own. The insurer seeks to compromise, frustrate and minimise the claim with a view to maximising profits for the insurer’s shareholders. There can be no resolution of this conflict. There is no “win-win” outcome. Either the claimant will receive full and proper compensation for injuries which they have sustained or alternatively, the insurer will be able to compromise the claim and pay less than what would otherwise be the case.
There is an imbalance in the bargaining power between an unrepresented claimant and a representative of an insurer. For most, this will be the first time that they make such a claim. The insurer’s representative will be well trained and well versed in exploiting every forensic and tactical advantage available to them under the legislation to minimise a claim.
It is my firm belief that an injured person will never recover proper compensation to which they are entitled without expert legal advice and representation. This is where Brydens Lawyers can help. My team of experts are fully committed to ensure that every person injured in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of their own, recovers their full entitlements to compensation for the injuries which they have sustained. After all, the insurer happily accepts the premium for the risk of such an injury occurring when they insure a motor vehicle. It should therefore be ensured that the insurer complies with its contractual and statutory obligations to pay the full entitlements of an injured person when that risk of injury eventuates.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and are dealing with an insurer directly, please contact Brydens Lawyers for a free, no obligation initial conference just to ensure that you are receiving what you are entitled to.

The post Latest News From Lee 17th July 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

With the outstanding success of the NSW Brydens Lawyers Blues in Perth, Game 3 is a series decider. With Games 1 and 2 we have ridden a rollercoaster of emotions and we anticipate that Game 3 will be no different. Before a sold out ANZ stadium this year’s series winner will be crowned and we will know whether the Shield will remain in NSW, where it belongs, or return north of the border.Little captures the imagination like a State of Origin series decider. I have seen it reported that according to the QLD coach, Kevin Walters, this will be “the biggest game in Origin history!”. He may well be right.Both teams have key personnel who have been the subject of injury and question marks remain as to the final line up of both teams on the night. This only serves to add to the drama that is State of Origin. However, we are supremely confident that no matter who Brad Fittler anoints to represent the state, they will do their best and make us all proud.Brydens Lawyers stands with every man, woman and child in NSW in wishing the NSW Brydens Lawyers Blues success on the night so that the Shield remains in NSW.Do you believe in the NSW Brydens Lawyers Blues? WE DO!

The post Latest News From Lee 24th June 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

A recent article in the Sydney morning Herald has shone a light on the powers the police can exercise when undertaking a search or strip-search of a suspect. The article concerned the case of Stephen Attalla. On 24 March 2015 at about 3:30 am Mr Attalla was sitting on a stone wall in Bourke Street, Darlinghurst texting on his phone. He was confronted by three police officers. There was a short conversation as between Mr Attalla and the police with the police announcing that they suspected that Mr Attalla was in possession of prohibited drugs and that he was to be searched.
Not surprisingly Mr Attalla refused to submit. He was then arrested for hindering police in the execution of their duty. He was handcuffed, placed into the rear cage of a police wagon and taken to Kings Cross police station. There he was strip searched.
Ultimately the charges of hindering police were dismissed. Proceedings were then brought by Mr Attalla as against the State of New South Wales for wrongful arrest, assault and battery.
In the result the court determined that the search was unlawful as was the arrest. The judge found that the police officers had used a most invasive power without the slightest justification.
The court awarded Mr Attalla damages in excess of $110,000 for what was regarded as reckless indifference to the legal requirements that need to be satisfied when lawfully exercising the power to search or strip search a person whom the police have a reasonable suspicion of having committed a crime.
It is reported that Mr Attalla’s case has been used by the police in an internal report to highlight the risks involved in unlawful strip searches. Hopefully with increasing education and awareness the exercise of police powers will always be undertaken strictly in accordance with the regulatory requirements so as to avoid a repeat of what occurred to Mr Attalla, something which no law abiding citizen should have to endure.

The post Latest News From Lee 19th June 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

“Much has been said of late concerning the publication of defamatory and offensive material on social media. Unfortunately many are unaware that the publication of such material can have very significant consequences. Social media may in fact be somewhat of a misnomer as it can be anything but social.
Defamation, simply put, involves the publication of material which is false, offensive and/or designed to impugn the reputation of another. One of the key elements necessary to establish a successful defamation suit is to show that the material has been published. The posting of such material on social media establishes the necessary element of publication without any difficulty.
In fact, the posting of such defamatory material on social media is, implicitly, designed to reach as many people as it can. This after all is the inherent purpose of social media. Many follow the celebrity model of trying to establish a very large number of followers. Apparently there is a perception that the more followers, the more credibility there is in those who post. However, with the ability to post material which will be viewed by many comes a responsibility, both legal and ethical.
The mere fact that there was no intent to defame someone is irrelevant and not a defence to a defamation suit. Therefore, those who are keen to post material which can be readily construed as false and intended to malign the reputation of another should be acutely aware that they may be paying for same in a manner not particularly social, that is, by the payment of a large sum of money which is often awarded to those who have been defamed. A social media post which may seem funny at the time of posting will not present as such if you are called upon to explain yourself in a court of law and defend a defamation suit “

The post Latest News From Lee 15th May 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

You have heard me speak often about the disgrace that is the Motor Accident Injuries Act introduced by the NSW Liberal Government on 1 December 2017 and how persons injured in motor vehicle accidents are now denied proper compensation for their injuries. Regrettably the figures which are becoming available to us confirm our worst fears. That is, this scheme only serves the interests of the insurance companies in ensuring the continuation of their super profits subsidised by the pain and suffering of the injured motorist.
Even the projections of the government’s own agency, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority as to the level of benefits to be paid out in the first year were wrong as only 40% of the amount that had been projected was in fact paid. That is, insurers kept the 60% not paid out in claims for themselves. Even the number of claims are almost 40% lower than what had been estimated. When the scheme was introduced the Minister responsible, Mr Victor Dominello asserted that 55 cents in every dollar of Greenslip premium paid would be returned to injured motorists. This is not happening.
The government and the insurers will no doubt say that it is far too early to properly assess the viability of the scheme and how much will ultimately be returned back to the injured motorist by way of compensation. Having practised for 30 years I can assure you that it matters not how much time passes, the fact is that this legislation does not provide proper or adequate cover for persons injured in motor vehicle accidents through no fault of their own.
This scheme serves one and only one purpose, to sustain the profits of insurers. The Labor opposition has promised a full and detailed review of both the motor accident and workers compensation schemes. We have no doubt that such a proper review would disclose the inequity in the scheme and a demand for same to be overhauled so as to find some balance between the rights of the injured person and the need for insurance companies to continue to make their super profits. Perhaps one more thing to think about when voting at Saturday’s election.’

The post Latest News From Lee 18th March 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

You have heard me speak often about the disgrace that is the Motor Accident Injuries Act introduced by the NSW Liberal Government on 1 December 2017 and how persons injured in motor vehicle accidents are now denied proper compensation for their injuries.
Regrettably the figures which are becoming available to us confirm our worst fears. That is, this scheme only serves the interests of the insurance companies in ensuring the continuation of their super profits subsidised by the pain and suffering of the injured motorist. Even the projections of the government’s own agency, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority as to the level of benefits to be paid out in the first year were wrong as only 40% of the amount that had been projected was in fact paid. That is, insurers kept the 60% not paid out in claims for themselves.
Even the number of claims are almost 40% lower than what had been estimated. When the scheme was introduced the Minister responsible, Mr Victor Dominello asserted that 55 cents in every dollar of Greenslip premium paid would be returned to injured motorists. This is not happening. The government and the insurers will no doubt say that it is far too early to properly assess the viability of the scheme and how much will ultimately be returned back to the injured motorist by way of compensation. Having practised for 30 years I can assure you that it matters not how much time passes, the fact is that this legislation does not provide proper or adequate cover for persons injured in motor vehicle accidents through no fault of their own.
This scheme serves one and only one purpose, to sustain the profits of insurers. The Labor opposition has promised a full and detailed review of both the motor accident and workers compensation schemes. We have no doubt that such a proper review would disclose the inequity in the scheme and a demand for same to be overhauled so as to find some balance between the rights of the injured person and the need for insurance companies to continue to make their super profits.
Perhaps one more thing to think about when voting at Saturday’s election.’

The post Latest News From Lee 18th March 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

The post Question appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

On 27 February 2019 I attended the Banco Court, Supreme Court of New South Wales for the swearing out ceremony of Justice Margaret Beazley. As would be known Justice Beazley has retired as the President of the Court of Appeal to take up the role of Governor of New South Wales.
On the day we heard from the Chief Justice of New South Wales, The Honourable Thomas Frederick Bathurst, AC on behalf of the judiciary. We heard from the Attorney General of New South Wales, Mark Speakman, SC MP on behalf of the Government and NSW Bar Association and we also heard from Ms Elizabeth Espinosa on behalf of the Law Society of New South Wales.
What we heard is the story of a remarkable woman. Justice Beazley graduated with Honours from Sydney University Law School in 1973. She was a solicitor for the entire period of one month before being called to the Bar. She was appointed a Queen’s Council in 1989. From 1984 to 1988 Justice Beazley was a member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal. She also served as an Acting Judge of the District Court as well as a time on the NSW Independent Commission against Corruption.
In January 1993 Justice Beazley was appointed a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia. In 1996 Justice Beazley was appointed a Judge on the New South Wales Court of Appeal, the first woman to hold such a position. In March 2013 Justice Beazley was appointed the President of the Court of Appeal, again the first woman to hold such a position.
Justice Beazley’s contribution to the judicial system and the law in New South Wales, in particular, cannot be overstated. All who know her speak highly of her intellect, wit and wisdom. She will be sorely missed on the bench but we will welcome her as our next Governor.We also take particular pride in the fact that Justice Beazley was educated for the final years of her secondary education at Mount St Josephs Milperra, and we will therefore claim her as a representative of South-Western Sydney. On behalf of Brydens Lawyers, we wish Justice Beazley all the very best in her new role.

The post Latest News From Lee 25th Feb 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

The Standing Committee on Law and Justice will shortly release its 2018 review of the Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme. This scheme commenced on 1 December 2017 and recently celebrated, if that is the right word, its first anniversary. The scheme was designed to ensure that the more seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents would be looked after whilst also providing for a significant reduction in green slip premiums. Initial analysis discloses that very few are being looked after under the scheme and that there has only been a nominal reduction in green slip premiums. Of what there can be no doubt is that this scheme has now delivered to the CTP insurers incredible and undeserved super profits. There will no doubt be numerous actuarial reports arguing that the funds recovered by the insurer are required to meet the cost of continuing claims beyond the year in which the claim was made. However, this in itself is a fallacy. The overwhelming majority of claims under the new scheme will not continue beyond 6 months following the accident due to the way in which the scheme itself is set up. It is hoped that with the likely change in government in New South Wales there may also be a change in the approach to providing proper compensation for those innocently injured in motor vehicle accidents.

The post Latest News From Lee 4th March 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.

It is no secret that Brydens Lawyers has heavily invested in the NRL as major sponsor of the NSW State of Origin Blues, West Tigers, Mounties and Blacktown Workers.  We are also a sponsor of the Newcastle Knights, South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Dragons.  Additionally we are proud sponsors of the Bankstown Giants Police Rugby League team and the Milperra Colts.
We sponsor the game of rugby league because we love it.  It also provides us an opportunity to connect with the broader rugby league community, particularly its heart and soul, the members and fans of each of these clubs.  It has been our experience that the overwhelming majority of NRL and rugby league players are a credit to the game and worthy ambassadors of not only the game of rugby league but also of Brydens Lawyers.
We have however been distressed when we hear of allegations concerning violence inflicted upon women by rugby league players.  The fact that there have only been a few instances of such violence given the number of players who play the game, is irrelevant.  One instance of violence committed upon a woman is one instance too many.
Brydens Lawyers condemns in the strongest possible terms and without reservation violence upon women.  It is intolerable.  It is inexcusable.  As lawyers however we respect the judicial process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.  However, having said that, it is incumbent upon the NRL and all clubs to heed community expectations in instances where credible and serious allegations of violence committed against a woman are at hand.  We entrust that the NRL and the clubs in question will take appropriate action to act in accordance with said community expectations pending the determination of each matter before the court.
Brydens Lawyers will continue its support of the game of rugby league through its sponsorship of various clubs at the NRL, state and junior level.  It is our sincerest hope that we will never have to address this issue again.

The post Latest News From Lee 18th Feb 2019 appeared first on Brydens Lawyers.