Australian Emergency Law wishes everyone, but particularly the members of Australia’s various emergency services, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you all get some down time to spend with your family and loved ones.

And for those with children at school and university, and those of you who are studying, I hope you get time over the traditional long summer holidays to relax, restore, refresh and spend time with the family. If you are studying, remember that summer used to be a long break. Today all universities offer trimersters rather than semesters so there is pressure to spend the summer months studying, but taking time off can be vital for success.

Whatever you do, and whereever you are, take whatever time is available to take a break, relax and remind those that support you how important they are.

Thank you everyone for your service.

This blog is made possible with generous financial support from (in alphabetical order) the Australasian College of Paramedicine, the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW), the Australian Paramedics Association (Qld), Natural Hazards Research Australia, NSW Rural Fire Service Association and the NSW SES Volunteers Association. I am responsible for the content in this post including any errors or omissions. Any opinions expressed are mine, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or understanding of the donors.

This blog is a general discussion of legal principles only.  It is not legal advice. Do not rely on the information here to make decisions regarding your legal position or to make decisions that affect your legal rights or responsibilities. For advice on your particular circumstances always consult an admitted legal practitioner in your state or territory.