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
Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic) Secretariat
The peak body for Victoria's community legal centres.
http://www.communitylaw.org.au/federation
- Information on law reform campaigns in Victoria
- News on community legal sector developments
See also:
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Consumer Law Centre (Vic)
Legal advice and representation to consumers. Also involved in lobbying
government and industry.
http://www.clcv.net.au
- Publications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Project information
Consumer Affairs Victoria
http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au
- Fact sheets ranging from credit & debt to renting and ecommerce
- Consumer Affairs hot topics
Financial & Consumer Rights Council
Peak body for financial counselling and consumer support services
in Victoria.
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~fcrc
- Financial counsellor referrals
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 and Water Ombudsman (Victoria)
Investigates and resolves disputes between Victorian electricity,
gas and water customers and their providers.
http://www.ewov.com.au/
- Online complaint and questions forms
- Guide to complaint process
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 including Jurisdiction Checker
- Terms of reference
- 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
See also:
- National Children's and Youth Law Centre for information on mobile
phones. See Young People for contact details
- Court Matters Victorian Civil & Administrative
Tribunal contact details
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Magistrates Court of Victoria
http://www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au
- Information about jurisdiction of the court
- Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
http://www.vcat.vic.gov.au
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Legislation
- Forms
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:
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Disability Discrimination Legal Service
Independent, community legal centre that specialises in disability
discrimination legal matters.
http://www.ddls.org.au
- Fact sheets
- Publication: Using Disability Discrimination Law - a guide for people
with disabilities
Mental Health Legal Centre
Community legal centre specialising in the field of mental health
law.
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mhlc
- Guide to making complaints
- Publications
Villamanta Legal Service
Community legal centre specialising in disability-related legal issues.
http://www.villamanta.org.au/legal/index.htm
- Fact sheets on a range of issues
See also:
- Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Disability Rights Unit.
See Discrimination for contact details
- Guardianship for the 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 jurisdictions information
- Links to HREOC decisions
Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria
http://www.eoc.vic.gov.au
- links to anti-discrimination legislation
- guidelines for individuals and organisations regarding anti-discrimination
practice
- Complaint information
See also:
« Back to index
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre
Statewide resource centre for information about domestic violence and
sexual assault.
http://www.dvirc.org.au
- Training information
- Publications
- Consultation and resourcing for caseworkers
- Online document library
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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Job Watch
Specialise in employment law for those in Victoria.
http://www.job-watch.org.au
- Rights information
- Links
- Guides to employment law.
Industrial Relations Victoria
http://www.irv.vic.gov.au
- Advice and assistance
- Fact sheets
- Entitlements and conditions
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
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
Victorian WorkCover Authority
State government department managing the workplace safety, injury management
and workers compensation systems.
http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au
- Industry-specific information
- Legislation
- Information on lodging a claim
Comcare
Responsible for workplace safety, rehabilitation and compensation
in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.
http://www.comcare.gov.au
- Forms
- Processes
- Legislation
- Incident notification information
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:
« Back to index
Environmental Defenders Office
Community legal centre providing free legal advice, representation
and community legal education on environmental matters.
http://www.edo.org.au/edovic/edovic.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
Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (Vic)
http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/bdm.htm
- Forms for change of name
- Certificate application forms
See also:
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Freedom of Information Online
Assistance and information to access information under the Freedom of
Information Act (Vic) 1982.
http://www.foi.vic.gov.au
- Application form
- Guidelines
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Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby
Working to achieve equality and social justice for lesbians and gay men.
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vglrl/
- Facts sheets including Statutory Declaration of domestic partnership
- Campaign and lobby information
- Links to legislation and resources
« Back to index
Legal Online
Victorian Government's legal information website.
http://www.legalonline.vic.gov.au
- Legislation
- Information sheets
- Links
Community Law
An online community legal resource centre.
http://www.communitylaw.org.au
- Online home to several Victorian commmunity legal centres
- Legal resources, publications, forums, news and events
Victoria Law Foundation
Independent organisation providing plain English information about the
law, the legal system, legal education and the legal profession.
http://www.victorialaw.org.au
- Plain English legal publications
- Information on pro bono services and grants
- Bookshop
Law Institute Victoria
http://www.liv.asn.au
- "Public information" on a range of topics
Victorian Bar
http://www.vicbar.com.au
- Legal Assistance
- Find a Barrister
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Ombudsman Victoria
Investigate complaints concerning administrative actions taken by any
government department, public statutory body or by officers or employees
of any municipality to which the Ombudsman Act applies.
http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
- Complaint guidelines
- Legislation
Commonwealth Ombudsman
http://www.ombudsman.gov.au
- Online complaint form
- Legislation
- Freedom of Information guide
« Back to index
Office of the Public Advocate
Promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities through guardianship,
advocacy and education.
http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au
- Information on various forms of power of attorney
- Forms and guides
- Tribunal information
See also:
- Court Matters for contact details for Victorian Civil & Administrative
Tribunal which deals with guardianship matters
« Back to index
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
« Back to index
Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre
Provide casework, advice, education and training.
http://www.rilc.org.au
- Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) clinic
- Links
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
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
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
- Fees
- Legislation and jurisdiction
See also:
- Social Security for National Welfare Rights Network
information for residents and newly arrived migrants
« Back to index
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/
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
« Back to index
Victoria Legal Aid
Assist socially and economically disadvantaged people to understand and
protect their rights.
http://www.vla.vic.gov.au
- Who is eligible and how to apply for legal aid
- The type of matters legal aid undertakes
- Download VLA Handbook
- Publications on range of issues
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Legal Ombudsman
Receive and investigate complaints about legal practitioners.
http://www.legalombudsman.vic.gov.au
- Downloadable complaint form
- Information brochures
« Back to index
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
Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au
- Bills
- Acts
- Statutory Rules
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
« Back to index
Transport Accident Commission
Pays for treatment and benefits for people injured in road accidents.
http://www.tac.vic.gov.au
- Claim forms and information
- Information on reviewing decisions
See also:
- Young People for information on motor vehicle issues
- National Children's and Youth Law Centre
- Legal Aid for Victoria Legal Aid publications on motor vehicle matters
- Court Matters for information on attending court for traffic matters
« Back to index
Privacy Victoria
Key body regulating the handling of personal information by the Victorian
government.
http://www.privacy.vic.gov.au
- Complaint form plus step-by-step guide to making a complaint
- Legislation
- Information sheets
The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner
Promote privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
http://www.privacy.gov.au
- Legislation
- Complaint form
« Back to index
Land Channel
Victorian government web site providing access to land, resource and property
information and services.
http://www.land.vic.gov.au
- Title and property certificates online
- Information
- Reports
« Back to index
Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH)
Independent not-for-profit legal referral service.
http://www.pilch.org.au
« Back to index
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
Social Security Appeals Tribunal
Review decisions made in relation to social security, education or
training payments.
http://www.ssat.gov.au
« Back to index
Tenants' Union of Victoria
For residential tenants living in Victoria who require information on
their legal rights and community resources.
http://www.tuv.org.au/
- Links to other tenancy and housing services
- Legislation
- Facts sheets
- Multilingual information
« Back to index
VITS Language Link
Language services provider which is a proclaimed State Business Corporation.
http://www.vits.com.au
- Interpreting
- Translating
- Telephone services
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
« Back to index
Victim's Referral Assistance Service
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au and locate service via the "business
units" link
- Information on counselling scheme
- Legislation
- Information on Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal
- Frequently Asked Questions
See also:
« Back to index
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.
YouthLaw
Specialist community legal service for young people in Victoria.
http://www.youthlaw.asn.au
- Information on a range of issues
- Site for youth workers
- Law reform discussion area
« Back to index
