Legal Resources Guide

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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Office of Consumer and Business Affairs

Division of the SA Attorney-General's Department.

http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au

• Information on various consumer issues
• Links

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

Electricity Industry Ombudsman of SA

Facilitate resolution of disputes between consumers of electricity services and members of the scheme.

http://www.eiosa.com.au/

• Online complaint form
• Guide to service available

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

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

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

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

See also:

• Magistrates Court for Civil Claims information. See Court Matters for contact details (via Courts Administration Authority)
• Legal Aid for fact sheets on bankruptcy and debt matters
• National Children's and Youth Law Centre for information on mobile phones. See Young People for contact details

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Courts Administration Authority

http://www.courts.sa.gov.au

• Links to all SA Courts
• Practice Directions
• eLodgement site

Federal Magistrates Service

Independent federal court.

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

See also:

• Immigration for Tribunal information
• Family Law for Family Court details
• Social Security for Tribunal information

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Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Disability Rights

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html

• Legislation
• Complaint guide and form

See also:

• Guardianship for Office of the Public Advocate

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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

Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia

http://www.eoc.sa.gov.au/

• Online complaint form
• Links to equal opportunity legislation
• Guidelines for equal opportunity practice

See also:

• Employment for employment related discrimination issues
• Indigenous Australians for race discrimination information

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Central Violence Intervention Program

Interagency initiative based at Adelaide Magistrates Court.

http://www.courts.sa.gov.au/courts/magistrates/violence_intervention.html

• Information brochures for lawyers, alleged perpetrators and victims
• Eligibility criteria
• Anti-Violence Manual

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

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Industrial Relations Commission of South Australia

Take a role in establishing enforceable conditions of employment and in providing for the prevention and resolution of disputes between employers and employees.

http://www.industrialcourt.sa.gov.au

• Link to Industrial Relations Court of South Australia
• Link to Workers Compensation Tribunal
• Range of guides including unfair dismissal claims, enterprise agreements, workers compensation claims
• List of associations and registered agents

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

Employment Relations Information Centre

State government agency dealing with workplace relations, occupational health & safety and public safety.

http://www.eric.sa.gov.au

• Wages and conditions
• Online enquiry form
• Safety information

Office of the Employee Ombudsman

Dedicated to ensuring that the rights of all employees are upheld.

http://www.oeo.sa.gov.au

• Online enquiry/complaint form
• Employment and safety information

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 and 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

WorkCover Corporation of South Australia

http://www.workcover.com

• Worker Claim application form online
• Employer Report form online
• Publications

See also:

• Legal Aid for Legal Services Commission fact sheets on employment matters
• 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/edosa.html

• Fact sheets
• Submissions

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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 specific to 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

Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Office

http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/bdm/

• Forms for change of name
• Certificate application forms

Adoption and Family Information Service

http://www.adoptions.sa.gov.au

• Guide to obtaining information about past adoptions
• Information specific to Stolen Generation

See also:

• Legal Aid for Legal Services Commission fact sheets on family law issues
• Young People for relevant information and links

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Courts Administration Authority

http://www.courts.sa.gov.au/caa/foi/index1.html

• Freedom of Information (FOI) guide - for information held by SA Government
• Application form
• Information on appeals and relevant form

State Records

http://www.archives.sa.gov.au/services/public/freeinfo_index.html

• FOI form
• Guidelines
• Legislation

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GayLawNet

http://www.gaylawnet.com/info/resource.html

• Links to resources (web sites and contact details) categorised under Business, Discrimination, HIV/AIDS, Immigration, Law, Legal & Miscellaneous, Privacy, Social Security and Women

See also:

• Legal Aid for Legal Services Commission fact sheet on "Same Sex Relationships and the Law"

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Law Handbook Online

A publication of the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.

http://www.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au

• Search by legal issue
• Links to organisations and websites

Law Society of South Australia

http://www.lssa.asn.au

• Litigation Assistance Fund information
• Referral service

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Ombudsman South Australia

Investigate complaints against South Australian government and local government agencies and conduct freedom of information reviews.

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

• Guidelines for making complaints
• Forms
• Freedom Of Information Review request form

Commonwealth Ombudsman

http://www.ombudsman.gov.au

• Online complaint form
• Legislation
• Freedom of Information guide

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Office of the Public Advocate

Promote and protect the rights and interests of people with reduced mental capacity and, where appropriate, their carers.

http://www.opa.sa.gov.au

• Information on various forms of guardianship

Guardianship Board

Legal tribunal appointing guardians to people with a disability who are incapable of making decisions.

http://www.opa.sa.gov.au/page-d.htm

• Information on powers
• Guide to various orders Board may make

See also:

• Legal Aid for Legal Services Commission fact sheets on Power of Attorney

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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
• Links to contacts around Australia

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

Indpendent review of administrative decisions made by the Commonwealth government and some 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

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:

• Family Law for Adoption & Family Information Service information on stolen generations

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Legal Services Commission of South Australia

http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au

• Services available through the Legal Services Commission
• Law Handbook online
• Download brochures and pamphlets on a range of legal issues

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Legal Practitioners Conduct Board

Established to ensure that legal practitioners in South Australia maintain the highest standard of professional behaviour.

http://www.sa.gov.au/agencies/lpcc/lpcc.htm

• Guide to services
• Complaint form

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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

Australian Law Librarian's Group

http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/legislation_index/index.html

• Index to all South Australian legislation

Parliament of South Australia

http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au

• Acts and regulations online

Parliamentary website

http://www.aph.gov.au

• Full text legislation
• Full text bills
• 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.au)

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Motor Accidents Commission

South Australia's Compulsory Third Party Insurer. Provide compensation to victims of road crashes.

http://www.mac.sa.gov.au

• How to make a compensation claim
• Link to insurer and claims forms

See also:

• Legal Aid for Legal Services Commission fact sheet on motor vehicle accidents
• Young People for information on motor vehicle issues - National Children's and Youth Law Centre

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State Records

http://www.archives.sa.gov.au/services/public/privacy_index.html

• Information Privacy Principles

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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Property Assist

Single access point to spatial land information in South Australia.

http://www.propertyassist.sa.gov.au

• Search online databases for certificates of title
• Property and building details online

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Litigation Assistance Fund

Legal Services Commission of South Australia

http://www.lssa.asn.au/community/services_for_the_community.htm

• Application form online
• Disbursement only fund application form online

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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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Residential Tenancies

Branch of the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.

http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/tenancies

• Forms
• Agreement and Notice templates
• Tribunal information

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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/tis/index.htm

• Guidelines
• Information on services

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Victims of Crime Coordinator South Australia

http://www.voc.sa.gov.au/

• Guide to the legal process
• Information on assistance available to victims of crime
• Victims of Crime Act

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Women's Legal Service South Australia

Community legal centre offering a free and confidential legal service to women in South Australia.

http://www.wlssa.org.au

• Information on outreach services available
• Details of the court support service

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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.

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