Legal Resources Guide

See also:

Guide to the Law on the Internet - NSW (NSW), LawAccess, May 2003, [Booklet], http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au or contact Jane Pritchard: jane_pritchard@agd.nsw.gov.au, 8833 3161 or 1300 888 529. This guide is a tool for people in NSW to find relevant and reliable online information about the law. It is structured around subjects, including banking and finance, consumers, health, immigration and social services. It also includes a section on basic internet skills.

The LawAccess booklet has a broader range of sites — we have tried to concentrate on those sites most useful to legal advisors and community workers.

Arts Law Centre of Australia

National 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

NSW Combined Community Legal Centres Group

Oversees community legal centres in NSW.

http://www.nswclc.org.au

• Directory of NSW community legal centres
• Information on campaigns in NSW

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Consumer Credit Legal Centre

Community legal centre providing free legal advice, education and resources relating to credit, debt and banking matters.

http://www.cclcnsw.org.au

• Multilingual fact sheets on a range of consumer debt issues
• Sample letters and fact sheets for caseworkers
• Order forms for resource kits

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

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW

Independent dispute resolution for electricity and gas customers in NSW and Sydney Water.

http://www.ewon.com.au

• Online complaint form
• Complaint information

Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman

Dispute resolution service dealing with disputes that individuals and small business have with their financial providers.

http://www.abio.org.au

• 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).

http://www.miaa.com.au/ombudsman.html

• 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

Credit Union Dispute Resolution Centre

Free independent resolution service for credit union members.

http://www.cudrc.com.au

• How to make a complaint
• Jurisdiction guidelines
• List of participating credit unions

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

Redfern Legal Centre

Community legal centre offering legal services at no cost.

http://www.rlc.org.au

• Fact sheets on credit records, fines, debtor harassment and loan variations

Office of Fair Trading

NSW government department who safeguard consumer rights and advise businesses and traders on fair ethical practice.

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

• Publications
• Forms
• Fees

Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal

Specialist dispute resolution forum for consumer, trader and tenancy based matters.

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/secondarymenus/cttt.html

• Fees
• Application forms
• Legislation

Office of the Sheriff

NSW government department protecting the NSW justice system.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/ots

• Information on starting a civil claim
• Writ of Execution guidelines

See also:

• Kingsford Legal Centre for fact sheet on mobile phones. See Employment for contact details
• National Children's and Youth Law Centre for information on mobile phones. See Young People for contact details

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Fee Waiver Manual

This resource prepared by PILCH and Minter Ellison provides details on how to apply for a fee waiver or exemption and provides the forms to do so for 17 courts and tribunals in NSW (10 are Federal) .  It is all online on this site.  click here for access through the contents page.

NSW Courts

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

• Links to all NSW Courts and Tribunals

Federal Magistrates Service

http://www.fms.gov.au

• Judgments
• Procedures
• Forms

Commonwealth Courts

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

• Links to Commonwealth Courts and Tribunals

Land and Environment Court

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lec

• Forms
• Fees
• ECourt for litigants and representatives

See also:

• Consumer Debt/Credit for Tribunal Information
• Immigration for Tribunal information
• Wirringa Baiya for "Going to Court" and "Lawyers" fact sheets for Indigenous women. See Indigenous Australians for contact details
• Legal Aid for "Going to Court" information
• Family Law for Family Court details
• Social Security for Tribunal information

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Disability Discrimination Legal Centre

Community legal centre providing legal services for people with disabilities and their associates. Law reform and community awareness also a focus.

http://www.ddlcnsw.org.au

• Advice, casework and community legal education
• Publications on the Disability Discrimination Act

Intellectual Disability Rights Service

Community legal centre providing legal advice and information aimed at assisting people with an intellectual disability.

http://www.idrs.org.au

• Advice, casework, policy and law reform information
• Fact sheets, books and reports on issues faced by people with an intellectual disability

See also:

• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Disability Rights Unit. See Discrimination for contact details
• Guardianship for NSW Office of the Public Guardian

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Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

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

http://www.hreoc.gov.au

• Anti-discrimination legislation
• Publications on human rights and discrimination issues
• Online complaint form and guidelines
• Election of jurisdiction information
• Links to HREOC decisions

NSW Anti-Discrimination Board

Investigates and conciliates complaints of discrimination, harassment and vilification, provides public education and makes recommendations to the government regarding legislative amendments.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb

• Links to anti-discrimination legislation
• Guidelines for individuals and organisations regarding anti-discrimination practice
• Seminar programs for employee training
• Multilingual website

See also:

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

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Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

Free confidential legal service for women experiencing domestic violence.

http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/Domestic%20Violence%20Advocacy%20.htm

• Information
• Resources obtained via post

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:

• Indigenous Australians for domestic violence fact sheets for Indigenous women (Wirringa Baiya)
• Redfern Legal Centre for "Domestic Violence: Court Assistance and Information Training Kit" and legal advice/information. See Consumer Debt/Credit for contact details
• Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes by Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre (http://www.lisp.com.au/~bmclc) and Campbelltown Community Legal Centre (http://campbelltownclc.fl.asn.au)

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NSW Industrial Relations Commission

Conciliate and arbitrate to resolve industrial disputes, set conditions of employment and fix wages and salaries by making industrial awards, approve enterprise agreements and decide claims of unfair dismissal.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/irc

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

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

Office of the Employment Advocate

Provide assistance and advice to employers and employees on the Workplace Relations Act 1996, particularly regarding Australian Workplace Agreements and freedom of association.

http://www.oea.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

Kingsford Legal Centre

Community legal centre providing free legal advice and community legal education.

http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/centres/klc/

• Fact sheet on employment issues

Workcover NSW

State government department managing the workplace safety, injury management and workers compensation systems.

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

• Workers compensation claims information
• OH&S information

Australian Workplace

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

http://www.workplace.gov.au

• Wages and conditions
• Employment legislation and policy information
• Details of available schemes

See also:

• 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.edo.org.au/edonsw/edonsw.htm

• Fact sheets
• Advice
• Campaign information

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Family Court of Australia

http://www.familycourt.gov.au

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

Family Law Online

Attorney-General's Department initiative.

http://www.familylaw.gov.au

• Information sorted by topic
• Links

Child Support Agency

http://www.csa.gov.au

• Legislative information
• Forms
• Links to organisations

NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au

• Forms for change of name
• Certificate application forms

See also:

• Women for the "Women & Family Law" publication
• Young People for relevant information and links

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Community Relations Division

NSW Attorney-General's Department

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/crd

• Freedom of Information (FOI) guide - for information held by NSW Attorney-General's Department

NSW Premiers Department

http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/LivingInNSW/FreedomOfInformation/

• FOI form
• Guidelines
• Legislation

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Acts of Passion

NSW government initiative. Community education campaign.

http://www.actsofpassion.nsw.gov.au

• Information on legal issues affecting gay, lesbian and transgendered people
• Discrimination, property rights, family law issues, superannuation

Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby

Works to further the rights of gay and lesbian people in NSW.

http://www.glrl.org.au

• Fact sheets relating to legal issues affecting gay and lesbian people
• Campaign and lobby information

See also:

• Women's Legal Resources Centre for "Lesbians and the Law" publication. See Women for contact details

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Law Access

Free service providing a single point of access to legal and related assistance services in NSW.

http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au

• Information on legal issues
• Referral information
• Links to organisations and Government departments

NSW Attorney General's Department

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au

• Search engine (search by legal problem)
• Links to NSW government departments
• Links to legal information for a wide range of issues

NSW State Library Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC)

http://liac.sl.nsw.gov.au/pathway/

• Links to information on a range of legal topics

NSW Law Society

http://www.lawsociety.com.au

• "Fast answers to common legal problems"
• Search for a lawyer

NSW Bar Association

http://www.nswbar.asn.au

• Legal Assistance Referral Scheme
• Find a Barrister

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NSW Ombudsman

Investigate and report on complaints about the conduct of a NSW agency or their employee, including government and some non-government agencies.

http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au

• Guidelines for making complaints
• Forms
• Indigenous- and youth-specific information
• Legislation, training and mediation

Commonwealth Ombudsman

http://www.ombudsman.gov.au

• Online complaint form
• Legislation
• Freedom of Information guide

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NSW Office of the Public Guardian

Promotes the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opg

• Information on various forms of power of attorney
• Forms and guides

NSW Guardianship Tribunal

Legal tribunal appointing guardians to people with a disability who are 16-years or over and incapable of making decisions.

http://www.gt.nsw.gov.au

• Information sheets
• Forms
• Seminar details

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HIV/AIDS Legal Centre

Community legal service for people in NSW living with HIV.

http://www.halc.org.au

• Advice and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS
• Currently building an online information service

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

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

Refugee Council of Australia

Peak organisation providing diverse refugee support.

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au

• The Advocate's Help Kit (downloadable in PDF format)

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 come non-government agencies.

http://www.aat.gov.au

• Forms
• Fees
• Legislation and jurisdiction

See also:

• 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

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre

Community-based organisation managed by Aboriginal women for Aboriginal women all around NSW. Free, confidential legal advice, information and referral.

http://www.wirringabaiya.org.au

• Fact sheets
• Legal advice and information

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/awlsn/index.htm

• Contact details for member services

See also:

• Women's Legal Resources Centre for Indigenous Women's program. See Women for contact details

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NSW Legal Aid Commission

Assists socially and economically disadvantaged people to understand and protect their rights.

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

• Who is eligible and how to apply for legal aid
• Section for legal practitioners
• Online information about different legal issues in particular criminal matters and family law issues

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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

http://scaleplus.law.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

NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au

• Legislation in force
• Historical versions of legislation and archival collection

Parliamentary website

http://www.aph.gov.au

• Full text bills
• Hansard
• Parliamentary Committee

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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.au)

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NSW Motor Accidents Authority

Statutory corporation that regulates the NSW Motor Accidents Scheme.

http://www.maa.nsw.gov.au

• How to make a compensation claim
• Information to help resolve disputes
• Injury management information

See also:

• Young People for information on motor vehicle issues - National Children's and Youth Law Centre
• Consumer Debt/Credit for Redfern Legal Centre information on repossession of motor vehicles

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Privacy NSW

Promote and protect the right to privacy in NSW.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/pc

• Legislation
• Privacy complaint form
• Criminal record information

The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner

Promote privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

http://www.privacy.gov.au

• Legislation
• Complaint form

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Land and Property Information

Key provider of land and property information in NSW.

http://www.lpi.nsw.gov.au

• Search and valuation forms

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Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH)

Assessment, policy and referral service.

http://www.piac.asn.au

• Procedures
• Projects
• Public interest criteria

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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 who is eligible
• Fact sheets and information kits
• Information for migrants and residents
• How to complain or lodge an appeal
• Social Security handbook
• Policy papers

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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Office of the Legal Services Commissioner

Statutory body which works to ensure the effectiveness of the coregulatory scheme of the legal profession.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/olsc

• Information
• Complaint form
• Link to Legal Services Division of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal

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Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Program Service and the Tenants' Union

Specialist community legal service providing advocacy and advice to tenants within NSW, in particular to socially disadvantaged groups and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

http://www.tenants.org.au/

• Details of tenants' services in NSW
• Fact sheets, sample letters, publications
• The Tenants Rights Manual
• Information available in 10 languages

Western Sydney Tenants' Service

Independent tenants advice and advocacy service.

http://www.unitingcarenswact.org.au/wests

• Sample letters
• Sample agreements
• Forms

See also:

• Redfern Legal Centre for fact sheet on sharehousing. See Consumer Debt/Credit for contact details.

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Community Relations Commission

Promote multiculturalism, ethnic affairs, cultural diversity and unity in NSW.

http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au

• Translating and interpreting service for over 75 languages and dialects

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/tis/index.htm

• Guidelines
• Information on services

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Victim's Services NSW

Service of the NSW Attorney-General's Department. Work to help victims of crime in NSW access services and entitlements to assist in their recovery.

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vs

• Information on compensation application procedure
• Application forms
• Contact details for a range of services to assist victims of crime exercise their legal rights

See also:

• Redfern Legal Centre for fact sheet for victims of crime. See Consumer Debt/Credit for contact details
• Wirringa Baiya for fact sheet on victim's compensation, sexual assault and for dealing with police. See Indigenous Australians for contact details
• Legal Aid for contact details

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Women's Legal Resources Centre

Community legal centre offering legal services, community legal education and law reform, particularly for women who are disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances.

http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au

• "Women & Family Law 7th Edition" online

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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.

Children's Legal Service

Division of the NSW Legal Aid Commission.

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/lac/lac.nsf/pages/cls

• Contact details
• Online publications on police powers and public space

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