Redfern Legal Centre is partnering with Sydney edtech provider Practera to deliver My Legal Mate, a legal assistant in international students’ pockets
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed international students to the city by announcing a groundbreaking mobile app technology which offers legal advice to international students. The My Legal mate in 6 community languages.
Practera app to help with most common legal issues
Created by the Redfern Legal Centre with funding from the City of Sydney, Study NSW and the Fair Work Ombudsman, the app has been built using the technology of Sydney based experiential learning startup Practera.
The app uses interactive video to provide students with instant access to legal information, delivered in English and six community languages. The app covers four issues most commonly encountered by international students – employment, housing, disputes with education providers and sexual assault.
Enhancing international student experience
MyLegal Mate was devised by solicitor Sean Stimson, the head of Redfern Legal Centre’s International Student Service NSW, who in February was awarded the NSW Human Rights Medal for his work with the state’s 260,000 international students.
“Over 40% of international students will encounter a legal issue during their study in NSW, which may negatively impact their experience. Redfern Legal Centre provides a free statewide legal advice service for international students funded by Study NSW but this app will offer further immediate support at much larger scale” Mr Stimson said.
“While it is not intended to replace face to face legal consultation, this professional services app is an innovative way to ensure international students can get instant access to tailored legal information and be empowered to take greater control if problems occur. By downloading the app on enrolment, international students will be armed with information about their rights before they start their course, with the ultimate aim of preventing issues arising while they are in Australia.
Speaking at the annual welcome event for Sydney’s international students, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the app would further support overseas students.
“International students enhance our city by contributing to Sydney’s diversity and strengthening our global connections,” The Lord Mayor said.
“This wonderful new app puts an invaluable legal resource in the pockets of international students. This will help ensure they’re given every opportunity to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding time living and studying in Sydney and across NSW.”
“Being able to attract and nurture the best students from around the world is an investment in our city’s future. That’s why we’ve supported this innovative information resource, and look forward to it helping students from all backgrounds.”