Western Australia

A Guide to Internet Legal Resources in Western Australia

• Arts Law
• Community Legal Centres — General
• Consumer Debt/Credit
• Court Matters
• Disability
• Discrimination
• Domestic Violence
• Employment
• Environment
• Family Law
• Freedom of Information
• Gay and Lesbian Legal Issues
• General Legal Information
• Government (complaints about)
• Guardianship
• HIV/AIDS
• Immigration
• Indigenous Australians
• Legal Aid
• Legislation and Cases
• Media/Communications
• Motor Vehicle Issues
• Privacy
• Property
• Public Interest
• Social Security
• Tenancy
• Translators/Interpreters
• Victims of Crime
• Young People

Arts Law Centre of Australia

Community legal centre offering a specialised legal and business advice and referral service. Professional development resources and advocacy for artists and arts organisations.

http://www.artslaw.com.au

• Information sheets
• Publications
• Services

IP Australia

Grant and maintain Patents, Designs and Trademarks.

http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au

• Patent and Trademark forms
• Database of registrations

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National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC)

Association of state community legal centre organisations in Australia.

http://www.naclc.org.au/

• Contact details for community legal centres throughout Australia
• Reports and submissions

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Department of Commerce

State government department responsible for providing services relating to consumer protection, labour relations and occupational health & safety.

http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/index.htm

• Information on a range of consumer issues
• Online complaint forms
• Information for charities
• FIDO — Australian Securities and Investments Commission

http://fido.asic.gov.au

• 'How to complain' guide (including links to relevant sites)
• Online complaint form
• Online Financial Information Directory

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

Free independent resolution of complaints and disputes regarding telecommunications services.

http://www.tio.com.au

• Online complaint form
• Search list of TIO member organisations
• Fact sheets

Financial Ombudsman Service

The Financial Ombudsman Service provides accessible, fair and independent dispute resolution for consumers and financial services providers.  The Mutuals Division of the Financial Ombudsman Service deals with disputes about credit unions and other mutual financial services providers and will consider disputes that were previously dealt with by the Credit Union Dispute Resolution Centre 

http://www.fos.org.au/centric/home_page.jsp

Policies and procedures

• Terms of reference
• Jurisdiction checker
• Banking code of practice plus other publications

Mortgage Industry Ombudsman Scheme

Independent dispute resolution process free of charge to customers of the Mortgage Industry Association of Australasia (MIAA), which is now called the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).

http://www.mfaa.com.au/default.asp?menuid=176

• Guide to resolving a dispute
• Search for whether dispute is with a member of the MIAA or the complaint should go through the Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman

Consumer Credit Code Website

Details of the code governing all credit transactions in Australia.

http://www.creditcode.gov.au

• Detailed information on what is covered by the code
• Downloadable documents

Financial Industry Complaints Service (FICS)

Provide free advice and assistance in relation to complaints with the financial services industry.

http://www.fics.asn.au

• Lodge a complaint online
• Determinations and adjudications
• FICS rules

Insolvency Trustee Service Australia

Government agency responsible for the administration and regulation of the personal insolvency system.

http://www.itsa.gov.au

• Statutory forms for bankruptcy
• Debt agreement information
• Legislation

See also:

• Legal Aid for fact sheets on debt matters
• National Children's and Youth Law Centre for information on mobile phones. See Young People for contact details

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WA Courts and Tribunals

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au

• Links to all WA Courts and Tribunals
• Fact sheets for defendants and witnesses
• Forms online

Federal Magistrates Service

Independent federal court.

http://www.fmc.gov.au

• Judgments
• Procedures
• Forms
• Commonwealth Courts

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink.nsf/pages/goingtocourt#HeadingA

• Links to Commonwealth Courts and Tribunals

See also:

• Immigration for Tribunal information
• Legal Aid for fact sheets on going to court
• Family Law for Family Court details
• Social Security for Tribunal information

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People With Disabilities (WA) Inc

A community-managed organisation representing and advocating for the rights and interests of people in WA with a disability.

http://www.pwdwa.org/

• Fact sheets for people with a disability and their associates

Mental Health Law Centre

Independent community legal service for those involuntarily involved in WA's mental health system.

http://www.mhlcwa.org.au

• Pamphlet on patients' rights
• Information on representation provided by the Centre

See also:

• Sussex Street Community Law Service Inc: Disability Discrimination Unit — http://www.sscls.asn.au
• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Disability Rights Unit. See Discrimination for contact details
• Guardianship for Guardianship and Administration Board

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Australian Human Rights Commission

National independent statutory government body. AHRC investigate alleged anti-discrimination law infringements, undertake human rights education and conduct public inquiries.

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/index.htm

• Anti-discrimination legislation
• Publications on human rights and discrimination issues
• Online complaint form and guidelines
• Election of jurisdictions information

Equal Opportunity Commission

Promote the principles of equal opportunity and provide an avenue for redress for incidences of discrimination.

http://www.equalopportunity.wa.gov.au

• Equal Opportunity Act (WA) 1984
• Complaint form and guidelines

See also:

• Disability for disability discrimination issues
• Employment for employment related discrimination issues
• Gay and Lesbian Legal Issues for related discrimination
• Indigenous Australians for race discrimination information

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Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse

National resource on issues of domestic and family violence.

http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/

• Publications
• Resource database
• Links

Australian Institute of Criminology

National focus for the study of crime and criminal justice in Australia and for the dissemination of criminal justice information.

http://www.aic.gov.au

• Statistics and reports regarding the incidence of domestic violence

See also:

• Legal Aid for information on restraining orders

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Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission

Established to prevent and settle industrial disputes within Western Australia.

http://www.wairc.wa.gov.au

• Information relating to employment including unfair dismissals and complaint procedures.
• Forms

Australian Industrial Relations Commission

Facilitate agreement between employers and employees, conciliate and work within industrial disputes.

http://www.airc.gov.au

• Details of the law relating to employment
• Procedures involved in making a claim

Workplace Authority

The Workplace Authority accepts lodgement of workplace agreements and assesses them against the no-disadvantage test (NDT).

http://www.workplaceauthority.gov.au

• Australian Workplace Agreements (AWA) complaint form
• AWA no-disadvantage test
• Bargaining Agents Referral List

Comcare

Responsible for workplace safety, rehabilitation and compensation in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.

http://www.comcare.gov.au

• Forms
• Processes
• Legislation
• Incident notification information

Working Women's Centres

Information and advice to working women on a range of employment issues.

http://www.wwc.org.au

• Awards and employment agreements
• Information on sexual harassment, discrimination, unfair dismissal, workers compensation and workplace bullying

Australian Workplace

Commonwealth government website with information on employment, workplace relations, government assistance, jobs, careers, training and wages.

http://www.workplace.gov.au

• Employment legislation and policy information
• Details of available schemes

See also:

• Department of Consumer and Employment Protection: Labour Relations section. See Consumer Debt/Credit for contact details
• Legal Aid for fact sheets on unfair dismissal and workers compensation
• Young People for employment information for young people

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Environmental Defenders Office

Community legal centre providing free legal advice, representation and community legal education on environmental matters.

http:// www.edowa.org.au

• Fact sheets
• Application form for legal assistance
• Campaign information

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Family Court of Western Australia

http://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au

• Guide to resolving disputes
• Online forms and table of fees
• Family Court of Western Australia Legal Directory

Family Court of Australia

http://www.familycourt.gov.au

• Step-by-step guide to proceedings in the family court
• Online brochures
• Family law legislation and cases
• Information specifically for young people

Family Law Online

Attorney-General's Department initiative.

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Families_Families?Open

• Information sorted by topic
• Links
• Child Support Agency

http://www.csa.gov.au

• Legislative information
• Forms
• Links to organisations
• Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au then select Births Deaths and Marriages

• Forms for change of name
• Certificate application forms
• Gender Reassignment Recognition information

See also:

• Gay and Lesbian Legal Issues (Equality Rules site) for information on WA law as it relates to gay, lesbian or de facto couples
• Legal Aid for fact sheets on a range of family law issues
• Young People for relevant information and links

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Freedom of Information Unit

Provides right of access to information held by the Department of Justice.

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au then select Freedom of Information Unit from Forms & Applications

• Application form
• Office of the Information Commissioner WA

http://www.foi.wa.gov.au

• Information on how to apply for access to or amendment of records
• Online forms and guidelines
• Legislation

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Equality Rules

A guide to equality for gays, lesbians and de factos under WA law.

http://www.equalityrules.info

• Information on legal issues affecting gay, lesbian and de facto couples in WA
• Gay and Lesbian Community Services of WA

http://www.glcs.org.au/

• Fact sheets relating to legal issues affecting gay and lesbian people
• Research information
• Contact details for relevant organisations and services

See also:

• Legal Aid for fact sheets on discrimination, harassment and family law issue

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Law Society of WA

http://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au

• Lawyer and Law Firm directory
• Law Access information and online form
• Western Australian Bar Association

http://www.wabar.asn.au/

• Search for a Barrister
• Publications

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Ombudsman Western Australia

Investigate complaints about Western Australian government departments, statutory authorities, local governments and the Western Australia Police Service.

http://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au

• Guidelines for making complaints
• Forms
• Commonwealth Ombudsman

http://www.ombudsman.gov.au

• Online complaint form
• Legislation
• Freedom of Information guide

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Guardianship, Administration & Advocacy

Department of Justice.

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au then select Guardianship, Administration & Advocacy

• Information on medical consent and guardian of last resort
• Form for Guardianship Order
• Enduring Power of Attorney Kit

Guardianship and Administration Board

Independent, statutory tribunal aiming to safeguard the rights, well being and financial affairs of people who are not able to make reasoned decisions to ensure their own best interests are protected.

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au then select Tribunals & Boards

• Contact details
• Seminar information

Mental Health Review Board Western Australia

Independent quasi-judicial review body.

http://www.mhrbwa.org.au

• Review information
• Review request form

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Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations

Leadership, information, advocacy and policy. AFAO is the peak non-government organisation representing Australia's community-based response to HIV/AIDS.

http://www.afao.org.au

• Information on a range of issues affecting people living with HIV/AIDS

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Immigration Advice and Rights Centre

NSW community legal centre providing free legal advice and assistance in relation to immigration law matters.

http://www.iarc.asn.au/

• Fact sheets
• Information on steps to take in relation to applying for various visas and how to appeal a decision at the Migration Review Tribunal

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights

Network of Australian lawyers active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia.

http://www.alhr.asn.au

• Asylum seeker legal resources
• Refugee kit

Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs

Federal government department responsible for immigration.

http://www.immi.gov.au/

• Frequently asked questions and migration fact sheets
• Visa information and online application facility

Refugee Review Tribunal

Independent merits review tribunal which reviews decisions made by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs to refuse or cancel protection visas to non-citizens in Australia.

http://www.rrt.gov.au

• Forms
• Decisions
• Handbook

Migration Review Tribunal

Independent merits review body which reviews certain decisions made by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

http://www.mrt.gov.au

• Forms
• Decisions
• Interpreter information

Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Independent review of administrative decisions made by the Commonwealth government and some non-government agencies.

http://www.aat.gov.au

• Forms and Fees
• Legislation and jurisdiction

See also:

• Legal Aid for their Immigration Law Service and contact details for migrant resource centres and other services in WA
• Social Security for National Welfare Rights Network information for residents and newly arrived migrants

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Social Justice Commissioner

Office established within the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to deal with discrimination and disadvantage affecting Indigenous Australians.

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/

• Statistics
• Information
• Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia

http://www.als.org.au

• Online brochures on a range of legal issues
• Contact details for branch offices

National Network of Indigenous Women's Legal Services

All members of the network provide legal advice and assistance to Indigenous women and children.

http://www.nwjc.org.au

• Contact details for member services

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Legal Aid Western Australia

Provide legal information, advice and representation.

http://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au

• Fact sheets about a range of legal issues
• Legal Aid application form
• Guidelines and other publications online

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Austlii

Australasian Legal Information Institute.

http://www.austlii.edu.au

• Full text legislation in all Australian jurisdictions
• Full text case law in most Australian Courts and Tribunals
• Full text international instruments
• ScalePlus

ComLaw

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/

• Full text legislation of the Commonwealth and non self-governing territories
• Functional index of law and law-related functions of the Commonwealth government

http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/index.html

• Statutes
• Progress of Bills database
• Parliamentary website

http://www.aph.gov.au

• Full text bills and legislation
• Hansard

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Communications Law Centre

Independent, non-profit, public interest organisation specialising in media, communications and online law and policy.

http://www.comslaw.org.au

• Information on defamation, media ownership and media ethics
• Legal Advice via Oz NetLaw (http://www.oznetlaw.net/)  

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Insurance Commission of Western Australia

Compulsory Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance provider in Western Australia.

http://www.icwa.wa.gov.au

• Information for claimants and/or drivers
• Online crash report form

See also:

• Legal Aid for fact sheets on motor vehicle accidents, traffic offences and licencing
• Young People for information on motor vehicle issues — National Children's and Youth Law Centre

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The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner

Promote privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

http://www.privacy.gov.au

• Legislation
• Complaint form

http://www.eastman.com.au/e-commerce/index.html

• E-commerce information

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Department of Land Information

Provide land and property information for WA.

http://www.dola.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf

• Information on Title Searches

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Law Access Public Pro Bono Referral Scheme

Coordinates the giving of free, reduced fee, cost recovered or fixed fee legal advice or representation by the legal profession.

http://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/probonoscheme.htm

• Application form
• Guide to services provided

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National Welfare Rights Network

Advice and assistance to individuals relating to their rights and entitlements under the Australian social security system.

http://www.welfarerights.org.au

• Types of social security payments available and a guide to eligibility
• Fact sheets and information kits
• Information for migrants and residents
• How to complain or lodge an appeal
• Social Security handbook
• Policy papers

Welfare Rights & Advocacy Service

Community organisation specialising in providing independent information, advice, advocacy and referral.

http://www.wraswa.org.au/

• Centrelink Review and Appeal Stages
• Self advocacy kits

Social Security Appeals Tribunal

Review decisions made in relation to social security, education or training payments.

http://www.ssat.gov.au

• Forms
• Guides
• Checklists

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Tenants Advice Service Inc WA

Non-government organisation providing quality information and education for the benefit of tenants.

http://www.taswa.org

• Tenants Rights Manual
• Tenants Rights Manual for Homeswest tenants
• Frequently Asked Questions

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National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)

National standards body.

http://www.naati.com.au

• Directory of practitioners in Australia

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)

Australian government service.

http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/index.htm

• Guidelines
• Information on services 

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Support for Victims

Department of Justice.

http://www.justice.wa.gov.au then select Support for Victims

• Victims Support Service information
• Online Directory of Services for Victims of Crime

See also:

• Legal Aid for fact sheets for victims of crime

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National Children's and Youth Law Centre

Community legal centre providing legal advice, advocacy and education in respect of legal issues as they impact on children and young people.

http://www.lawstuff.org.au

• Online advice service for young people via Lawstuff
• Legal and rights information eg school issues, bullying, age of consent to sex and being charged with a crime.

Youth Legal Service Inc

Community legal centre delivering services that meet the needs of young people in WA (up to 25-years-old).

http://www.youthlegalserviceinc.com.au

• Fact sheets on security guards, police and Westrail special constables

See also:

• Legal Aid for youth-specific fact sheets and the Youth Law Unit

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