This section contains references to brief articles on legal issues and ME/CFS.
Many people with a disability experience discrimination because of their disability. Disability discrimination is unlawful under the state and federal laws of Australia. If you experience discrimination, the law may be able to help you. See this booklet on Using Disability Discrimination Law for more information.
The law is changing all the time. To check for changes on disability discrimination law, see the Legal Aid website for information.
The Superannuation Complaints Tribunal deals with complaints relating to decisions and conduct of trustees, insurers, and other decision-makers in relation to regulated superannuation funds, approved deposit funds, annuities, life policy funds and Retirement Savings Accounts.
The Insurance Ombudsman Service (IOS) assists in resolving disputes between consumers and participating companies. The service is free.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers are able to provide legal assistance for people with ME/CFS. In their 2009 'Stopping or stopped work because of a disability' brochure, they encourage people to call 1800 196 050 to speak to a superannuation, insurance and employment law expert for free advice on your rights and entitlements if any of the following applies to you:
- If you have already stopped work because of a disability;
- If you are thinking of stopping work because of a disability;
- If you want to change your work hours or duties because of a disability;
- If you are worried your employer might sack you;
- If you have been offered or might be offered a redundancy; or
- If you are thinking of returning to work.
ME/CFS researcher Geoffrey Hallman has kindly a produced a short article on ME/CFS, insurance and superannuation to help people identify their entitlements. The article is available to download here.
WorkWelfareWills is a plain English web guide developed by the Chronic Illness Alliance to legal issues around health and life changes. It was produced for use in Victoria only as some of the laws will be different in other states of Australia.
Victorian Legal Aid and the Office of the Public Advocate have produced a booklet entitled 'Securing their future: For parents of children with a decision-making disability'. The booklet covers making enduring powers of attorney; applying for a guardian and administrator; and making a will and planning your estate.
