The Law Handbook 2024

vii Contributors The Law Handbook can only be produced through the assistance of its many volunteer contributors, who ensure the text for each edition is accurate and up-to-date. We thank all of the following contributors to the 2024 edition for their dedication to the continued provision of accessible legal information, building on the work of their many predecessors over the lifetime of the book. Contributor Chapter contributed to Dr Renata Alexander Barrister 4.4 Family violence Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman 12.1 Taking a problem to an ombudsman Naomi Anderson Legal Practice Manager Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service 8.1 Understanding disability and the law Appeal Costs Board Secretariat 10.7 Compensation for some legal costs Julia Arrighi Lawyer Allens 12.3 Freedom of information law Mark J Attard Partner Clyde & Co. 6.3 Building or renovating a house 10.4 Insurance Franky Bain Accredited Criminal Law Specialist 3.2 Drug offences Paul Bingham Barrister 5.6 Superannuation Nicholas Bird Barrister 7.5 The internet and the law Shifrah Blustein Senior Lawyer Inner Melbourne Community Legal 3.1 Fines and infringements Contributor Chapter contributed to Nick Boag Teaching Associate and PhD candidate Faculty of Law, Monash University 12.4 Complaints against Victoria Police Marcus Boere Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid 5.1 Dealing with social security Gerard Brody Chair Consumers’ Federation of Australia 5.7 Understanding credit and finance 5.9 Credit reporting 7.2 Consumer protection laws 7.4 Taking action as a consumer Anita Brown Principal Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick 7.7 Trade marks Suzie Cameron Magistrate Magistrates’ Court of Victoria 3.6 How bail works Thea Casey Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid 2.3 Representing yourself in court Melanie Casley Senior Privacy Consultant Salinger Privacy 12.2 Privacy and your rights