***Content warning: This episode discusses institutional and child abuse. If you find this distressing, consider skipping the episode or listening at another time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Additional support contacts are listed below.*** It’s been over seven years since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse handed down its final report. Victim-survivors say they had hoped organisations would have “lent into their mistakes” by now. In this episode of Law Matters, Institutional Abuse Practice Lead Associate Nathan Buyers speaks with journalist and social philospher Anne Manne about her 2024 book, Crimes of the Cross: The Anglican Paedophile Network of Newcastle, Its Protectors and the Man Who Fought for Justice, which lays bare the decades-long cover-up of child sexual abuse within the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Nathan and Anne discuss: Why Anne felt compelled to write this book, despite its difficult subject matter. How the legal system has affected survivors. Why Anne believes the church has been obstructionist. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For support, please reach out to the following services: Lifeline – Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians – 13 11 14. Clergy Abused Network – a network of trauma-informed and sensitive volunteers who share the experience of being impacted by abuse by clergy or abuse by lay workers in religious contexts. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service – available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence - 1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732. Blue Knot Helpline – provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, Monday - Sunday between 9 am - 5 pm AEST/AEDT – 1300 657 380. For more information, please visit: Our free online resource FAQs: Institutional Abuse If you or someone you know needs guidance navigating an institutional abuse claim or would like more information, we’re here to help. Call us on 1800 874 949.

There's no doubt that the women's rights movement has made significant advancements in gender equality over the last 100 years, but there is still a long way to go. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine speaks with Sonia Hornery MP, State Member for Wallsend, about the critical issues affecting women both locally and across NSW. They explore the ongoing struggles for gender equality, particularly in reproductive health, homelessness, and women's leadership. In this episode, Catherine and Sonia discuss: The need for continued advocacy for women's rights and equality. The disproportionate impact of homelessness on women, often due to escaping violent relationships. The ongoing challenges of accessing abortion services, especially in regional NSW. Listen now to hear about the powerful roles that women, like Sonia, are playing in advocating for change in politics, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in Australia. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information, please visit: Our free resources on reproductive law. If you’re looking for legal help in the areas of reproductive and fertility law, you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.  

When you place a loved one in aged care, you want to be assured that they are getting the best care possible.  For many reasons—lots of them valid—the aged care sector in Australia has come under scrutiny in recent years. In this episode of Law Matters, we delve into why problems exist in aged care and what solutions might work. Catherine Henry hosts this episode and speaks to CEO of Maroba Caring Communities, Viv Allanson OAM. In this episode, Catherine and Viv discuss: How devastating the Royal Commission into Aged Care was for the sector Why some aged care facilities are broken How education and conversations can pave a positive way forward Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information, please visit: Learn more about Aged Care Negligence and Elder Law, or download our free eBook, Growing Older. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s treatment in aged care, you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.  

***Content warning: This episode discusses institutional and child abuse. If this may be triggering for you, consider skipping this episode or listening at a different time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (more contact numbers below)***  They’re meant to be places that have your best interests at heart, but some religious and government institutions have instead become spaces where abuse and neglect have occurred. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse exposed the scale of historic abuse in institutions in Australia. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry speaks with Bob O’Toole, Co-founder and Chair of the Clergy Abused Network (C.A.N.) Hunter-Newcastle-Manning, about how his organisation supports those seeking justice and redress. In this episode, Catherine and Bob talk about: How C.A.N. supports survivors Seeking justice through the National Redress Scheme, civil claims and mediation General advice for people thinking about seeking redress. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For support, please reach out to the following services: Lifeline - Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians - Call 13 11 14 Clergy Abused Network - a network of trauma-informed and sensitive volunteers who share the experience of being impacted by abuse by clergy or abuse by lay workers in religious contexts. National Redress Scheme - is for people who experienced child sexual abuse while in an institution. The Scheme helps people access redress and can connect them to free confidential Redress Support Services. For more information, please visit: Our free online resource FAQs: Institutional Abuse. If you or someone you know needs advice regarding redress for institutional abuse, you can learn more by  contacting the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949. 

***Content warning: This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If this may be triggering for you, consider skipping this episode or listening at a different time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (more contact numbers below)*** Death by suicide is hard to think about, let alone talk about. But this is what mental health advocate Craig Hamilton is asking us to do. He wants everyone to make ‘the promise’ that if you’re struggling with your mental health, you will tell someone. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry speaks to Craig about his recent documentary, The Promise, and the manic episode that began Craig’s mission to talk openly about mental health and work tirelessly to reduce stigma. In this episode, Catherine and Craig talk about: How attitudes to mental health have changed over the past 20 years Why, despite all the advancements, we still need to do better when it comes to providing care for people with mental illness Why people in regional and rural Australia face even greater disadvantages Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. Mental Health Services For support, please reach out to the following services: Lifeline - Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians.Call 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service - Free 24/7 counselling support if you are at risk of or affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline - Free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.Call 1800 55 1800 13 YARN - Free 24/7 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander-run crisis support line.Call 13 92 76 If you or someone you know need advice regarding the care received during a mental health crisis, you can learn more about mental health and the law here, or contact the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949.

One in three women experience birth trauma. So, what's being done about it? In May 2024, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma released its report, which included five findings and 43 recommendations. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry talks to the Chair of the Inquiry, MP for the NSW Animal Justice Party, Emma Hurst. Together, they discuss: Why continuity of midwifery care is so vital to good birthing outcomes The experience of women who have sought legal advice following a traumatic birth The recommendations that were voted down by the inquiry committee that Emma felt so strongly about, she wrote a dissenting statement. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information: Access our free information resource Download our free eBook, Women and the Law Listen to the full episode of Law Matters with CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Amy Dawes here. Find the full report on the NSW Select Committee Birth Trauma Inquiry here. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

If you are not willing to be arrested in the fight against climate change, are you willing to support those climate activists who are? That was the topic of discussion at the 2024 Margaret Henry Memorial Lecture with ethicist, writer and activist Dr Leslie Cannold from the Cranala Centre for Ethical Leadership, and Rising Tide Activist and Renewable Energy Engineer, Jasmine Stuart. In this special episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry brings to you the lecture that took place at Newcastle City Hall. You’ll hear about: Why Rising Tide is targeting the coal port in Newcastle’s harbour as a vehicle to bring worldwide action to the climate crisis Why Dr Leslie Cannold is proposing that the older generations “sponsor” a young climate activist The strategy behind what is seen as radical activism and why climate activists feel this is their only option.   Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.   For more information: Rising Tide Margaret Henry Memorial Lecture   If you have a legal issue and want to talk to the team, you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or by calling 1800 874 949.

Going through a relationship breakdown is difficult for anyone. When you add children to the equation and tensions escalate to the point of legal proceedings, it's hard to spot a winner. That’s why the 2024 amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 hold such significant interest for those working in the field or facing a family law matter. In this episode, Senior Associate and Practice Leader of Relationship Law, Rob Dilley, talks to Arbitrator, Mediator and Barrister, Colin Forrest SC. Colin also served as a trial judge in the Family Court of Australia for ten years before resigning in 2021.   In this episode, you’ll learn about: The new amendments that place the rights of the child to see the parents at the forefront (not the rights of the parents to see the child) Why it’s now harder for court orders to be changed How the role of Independent Children’s Lawyers has changed Disclaimer While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.   For more information please visit: Our extensive online resources on Family Law. For more information on the family law reforms, here's a fact sheet for parents prepared by the Attorney-General's Department. You can also download our free eBook, Families and the Law: A guide to help you navigate the family law system. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Join us for this special episode of Law Matters, where three former clients of Catherine Henry Lawyers discuss their experiences with botched cosmetic surgery, from their decision-making process to the procedure and the subsequent legal action. A word of warning: While these stories are graphic and alarming, we believe it's imperative for others to understand the experiences these women have endured and how to identify a reputable surgeon. In this episode, you’ll hear: How first impressions differed greatly from the surgery experience How to confirm the licence of your potential surgeon The legal process for cosmetic surgery negligence from a client perspective Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: Listen to the previous Law Matters Podcast episode on Cosmetic Surgery Reforms. Find out more about Cosmetic Surgery Negligence. Look up a practitioner with AHPRA. If you have experienced poor or substandard care from a cosmetic surgeon, please get in touch to see if we can help you - enquire online or call 1800 874 949. 

On the face of it, there’s been a crackdown on cosmetic surgery. But is it enough to keep rogue practitioners from causing harm to unsuspecting patients? In this episode of Law Matters, Practice Leader of Health Law, Rosemary Listing, talks to barrister and nurse, Ngaire Watson. Ngaire specialises in health and medical litigation and is also a spokesperson on health law and medical negligence with the Australian Lawyers Alliance. Rosemary and Ngaire discuss the problems within the cosmetic surgery sector and how several reforms introduced in 2023 will impact the industry from a health and safety perspective. In this episode you’ll learn: About the different reforms that have been introduced for cosmetic surgery, specifically around advertising, online presence and the use of the word ‘surgeon’ Why rogue practitioners are so difficult to police What options are available if you’ve been a victim of cosmetic surgery gone wrong. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: Listen to our previous episode of Law Matters on Cosmetic Surgery. Find out more about the law and Medical Negligence. If you have a legal issue and live in NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Access to a dignified death, free from pain and suffering, should be available to all. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry is joined by Hunter senior geriatrician, founding Chair of Hunter Ageing Alliance, and 2024 NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Dr. John Ward to explore the profound implications of the recently introduced Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws in NSW. In this episode you’ll learn: Why NSW may be at an advantage by being the last state to implement these laws A better understanding of the nuanced decisions and challenges faced by terminally ill individuals and their care providers The practical aspects of the VAD legislation, including eligibility criteria, safeguards, and the role of medical practitioners in facilitating compassionate end-of-life care The potential impact of VAD laws on people living in rural and remote areas. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: Q&A on Voluntary Assisted Dying. End of life care resources. Find out more about VAD from NSW Health. If you have a legal issue and live in NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Inquests provide an important process to examine unexplained deaths. They serve to provide families with some form of solace for their loss, and the community with lessons to avoid repeating past mistakes. But some say the coronial inquest system is broken. In this episode of Law Matters with Catherine Henry Lawyers, guest host Ray Watterson, Adjunct Professor, School of Law, La Trobe University and former Associate Professor of Law at the University of Newcastle, talks to former Deputy State Coroner, Hugh Dillon about the current state of inquests in NSW, the recommendations that have been made in a previous parliamentary inquiry, and how the system may improve in the future. In this episode you’ll find out: Why those who have worked in the system for years feel it needs an overhaul What will happen with the 35 recommendations made in the 2021 select committee inquiry into coronial inquests Why some families are left waiting years for answers and what can be done about it The good that coronial inquests can do when the system works well Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: Find out more about coronial inquests here. If you have a legal issue and live in NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Recently retired family lawyer, accredited family law specialist, and University of Newcastle law academic, Rachael Wallbank has played a pivotal role in numerous groundbreaking cases in Australia involving individuals identifying as transgender or intersex. In part two of our two-part special, Catherine Henry engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rachael, exploring the transformative cases that have reshaped legal perspectives for individuals who identify as being a different gender to what they were assigned at birth. In this episode you’ll find out: How the landmark case Re Kevin changed how the law considers gender for the purposes of marriage How another landmark case changed the way pre-adolescent people and their families can access medical intervention How cases involving diversity should be treated in the law. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: If anything in this episode brought something up for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you have a legal issue and live in NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Join Catherine Henry and recently retired family lawyer, accredited family law specialist, and University of Newcastle law academic, Rachael Wallbank for this two-part special where we explore the pivotal legal cases that have significantly influenced the legal landscape in Australia for individuals identifying as transgender or intersex. In part one of this interview, Catherine and Rachael explore Rachael's extensive legal career. In part two, they delve into the groundbreaking cases that have been integral to her professional journey. In this episode you’ll find out: How Rachael Wallbank became the first lawyer in NSW to transition Why the laws that govern medical procedures around gender are so important for people who experience gender diversity How Rachael tackled landmark cases that changed the way the courts look at gender diversity in relation to both marriage and pre-adolescent medical interventions. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: If anything in this episode brought something up for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you have a legal issue and live in NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Growing older is a privilege, but let’s face it, our elders are not always treated with the respect they should be. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry delves into the many areas of elder law with one of the nation’s foremost elder law experts, Rodney Lewis AM. In this episode you’ll find out: The many varied aspects of elder law Aged care reform and legal issues surrounding this, including the problem with immunity for aged care providers Why we need more experts within elder law in Australia What elder abuse is and what legal action is available to you Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information: Download your free copy of Growing Older, an eBook produced by Catherine Henry Lawyers on the common legal issues faced by those aged over 55. Take a look at our online resources on Elder Law here. Find out more about the legal support provided to those over 55 by Catherine Henry Lawyers here. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Contesting an estate can be a long and difficult road. In this episode of Law Matters, the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers looks at why people contest estates, when it’s legally valid for someone to dispute a will, and how best to navigate through the murky waters of wills and estates. Join Practice Leader of Relationship Law, Rob Dilley, in conversation with Jane Needham SC for this enlightening interview on contesting estates. In this episode you’ll find out: Why clients seeking clear financial outcomes are the easier cases How emotions and family relationships can make contesting estates fraught with difficulties When and why collaborative process can be beneficial in disputes regarding wills and estates Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information: Find out more about wills and estates here. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

One in three mothers are likely to experience trauma during childbirth, yet it’s something that’s not talked about enough. In this episode of Law Matters – to highlight Birth Trauma Awareness Week – Catherine Henry speaks to Co-Founder and CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Amy Dawes, about her birth trauma experience and why she wants to see a national inquiry established. This year the theme of Birth Trauma Awareness Week is postpartum PTSD. Catherine and Amy talk through what postpartum PTSD is and why our expectant mothers must be informed of the risks involved with birth.  Catherine and Amy delve into the stories of women who have experienced unnecessary trauma, the lasting impacts it has had on their lives, and what can be done about it.    Where to find help: There are many organisations ready to help people who have experienced birth trauma. For support after birth trauma for yourself or family members: Australasian Birth Trauma Association  A volunteer-led initiative providing support to those who have experienced birth-related trauma through 1-on-1 chat sessions with a specially trained Peer Support Volunteer: Peer2Peer Support Program For posttraumatic mental health needs: Pheonix Australia For support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent: COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence Free telephone support and counselling for perinatal depression: The Gidget Foundation Australia For support around perinatal anxiety and depression: PANDA   Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. This episode may be confronting and triggering for some people. Please know there is help available including Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information: Find out more about birth trauma and the law here. Read our birth trauma client's stories here. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.  

Following on from last month’s episode looking at medical negligence in Indigenous communities. This month Law Matters turns its lens to funding for the Aboriginal Legal Service. The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) provides free legal advice and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across the country, but a sharp increase in demand has left the ALS in need of more funding to continue the much needed work that it does. A request for $250 million in emergency funding was not met in this year’s federal budget. In this episode, Legal Projects Officer at Catherine Henry Lawyers, Michael Byrne, talks to retired Judge, John Nicholson SC about his work within Indigenous communities and why the ALS provides such an important service. In this episode you’ll find out: The history of the Aboriginal Legal Service Why jail isn’t the best place for an offender looking to improve their life How the Voice to Parliament, if passed, may work as a conduit between governments and services like the ALS Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information: Find out more about Indigenous Issues and the Law here. Or head to the Aboriginal Legal Service. If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Truth is, Indigenous communities still face systemic racism in the Australian medical system today. In this episode of Law Matters with Catherine Henry Lawyers, you’ll hear stories of families who have lost loved ones because of poor treatment in Australian hospitals and health facilities and why birthing centres can still be a place of trauma for some Indigenous mums. Join Indigenous solicitor, Linda Crawford, and Professor of Indigenous Health, Education and Research, Juanita Sherwood, as they discuss the trauma and discrimination many Indigenous people experience in healthcare and the impact of intergenerational trauma on their health today. You’ll also find out what you can do if you feel you or your family have suffered an injustice at the hands of the health department. In this episode you’ll find out: How Indigenous families can take legal action if they have been wronged by our medical system Your rights to access a high standard of healthcare free from racism The impact of systemic, personal and institutional racism in our health care system and birthing centres. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information: Find out more about Indigenous Issues and the Law here and all health and medical issues here. If you need help with a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.

Are you one of the 550,000 Australians accessing support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? In this episode of Law Matters with Catherine Henry Lawyers, join Solicitor Ellen Higginbottom as she delves into the legal complexities and struggles that people with disability face when dealing with the NDIS. Ellen is joined by Jenny Draddy from Draddy Legal, who has a long history of representing people living with disability. Jenny shares her experiences of representing clients who have had claims denied by the NDIS and their navigation of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Ellen, who has a lived experience of disability, also shares her struggles with the agency. In this episode you can find out more about: The challenges people with disabilities face when navigating the NDIS. The benefits of having strong legal advocates when dealing with the NDIS The way that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) operates and what might replace it in the near future. Disclaimer  While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation. For more information please visit: Download our free e-book on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Find out more about law and health with our free resources.If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, on call the team on 1800 874 949.