Free Legal Advice and Assistance: A Referral Guide
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd
Advice in:
- Criminal law
- Children's
- Custody
- Care and protection
- Civil law
- Prisoner support
- Family violence
Map - offices in Armidale, Bourke, Broken Hill, Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo, Griffith,
Grafton, Lismore, Kempsey, Moree, Moruya, Nowra, Newcastle, Parramatta, Redfern, Taree, Tamworth, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Walgett.
Internet
www.alsnswact.org.au/Default.aspx
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The Aged-care Rights Service [TARS]
Level 4, 418A Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills 2010
Tel (02) 9281 3600 or 1800 424079
Fax (02) 9281 3672
Email tars@tars.com.au
Internet
www.tars.com.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Interview times by appointment
- A free advocacy service for older people who live in nursing homes, hostels, retirement villages, serviced apartments throughout NSW as well as people at home receiving Community Aged Care Packages. The Service provides advice on residents' rights and help with dispute resolution and information about government rules and regulations.
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Albury Wodonga Community Legal Service
13 Stanley Street, Wodonga, 3690
29 Stanley Street, Wodonga, 3690
PO Box 31, Wodonga, 3689
Tel (02) 6056 8210
Fax (02) 6056 8557
Email cls@umfc.com.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00, Tues evenings in Wodonga and every 2nd Tues in Wangaratta
Interviews by appointment
- Family Law Clinic in Wodonga Weds 9.30-12.30 by appointment
- Family Law Advice Tues and Weds by appointment
- Telephone advice Mon 9-12, Weds 2-5, Frid 9-12
- Outreach Northeast Victoria, and Southern Riverina.
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Arts Law Centre of Australia
The Gunnery, 43-51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo 2011
Tel (02) 9356 2566 or 1800 221 457
Fax (02) 9358 6475
Email artslaw@artslaw.com.au
Internet www.artslaw.com.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30 for telephone advice
Preliminary advice, then face to face advice available to subscribers by appointment only.
- The national community legal centre which provides legal advice services to artists and arts organisations on a range of matters including contracts, copyright, insurance, employment, business structures and taxation. Arts Law also has a mediation referral program to assist in resolving disputes and educational services, such as seminars, conferences and publications. Arts Law also produces publications which include information sheets, sample contracts, and a quarterly newsletter.
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Ask! A free Legal Service for Youth
Randwick - Ted Noffs Foundation, 206A Alison Road (cnr Avoca Street), (02) 8383 6629. Fortnightly on Tues evenings between 4.00 - 6pm (by appointment)
Waterloo - South Sydney Youth Services (Cnr Allen and Elizabeth Streets), (02) 9318 0539 - alternate Tues 3-5 (by appointment)
Fax (02) 9310 0020
SMS name to 0400 836 601
Email ask@noffs.org.au
- Provided by Mallesons Stephen Jaques in conjunction with the Ted Noffs Foundation. All areas of law, free service for 14 to 21 year olds in the Sydney metropolitan area.
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Australian Copyright Council
PO Box 1986, Strawberry Hills, 2012
245 Chalmers Street, Redfern 2016
Tel (02) 8815 9777
Fax (02) 8815 9799
Email info@copyright.org.au
Internet www.copyright.org.au
- Copyright Council lawyers can give preliminary legal advice about copyright to professional creators and arts organisations, and, in some cases, to libraries and educational institutions. The service is via the website only. See www.copyright.org.au/information
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Central Coast Legal Centre
Suite 1, 34-36 Pacific Highway, Wyong, 2259
Tel (02) 4353 4988
Fax. (02) 4353 4680
Internet
www.centralcoastlegalcentre.org.au
Office hours 9am - 5pm Mon - Frid.
Telephone advice Tues and Wed 10am - 12 noon, Thur 2pm - 4pm.
- This Centre provides free legal advice, information and referral. Community Legal Education workshops and Law Reform work.
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Chamber Registrars
Usually located in local courts, Chamber Magistrates provide assistance with basic procedures such as filling in forms (for example with debt problems). For the nearest Local Court look up Local Courts in
the L-Z volume of the White Pages of the phone book. Hours vary from court to court.
To be put in contact with your closest Chamber Magistrate call LawAccess on 1300 888 529.
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Communications Law Centre
Level 1, 293 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 (entrance via Little Lonsdale Street)
Tel (03) 9919 1274 (no advice via phone)
Email melbourne@comslaw.org.au
Advice via Oz NetLaw www.oznetlaw.net (internet and e-commerce related enquiries only)
- A non-profit public interest centre, specialising in media, communications and online law and policy. Other areas of law in which the Centre specilises include broadcasting, defamation, free speech, media ownership, privacy and telecommunications. OzNetLaw is the internet law practice of the CLC.
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Community Justice Centres
Tel 1800 990 777 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Internet
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/Community_Justice_Centres/ll_cjc.nsf/pages/CJC_index
- Centres right across NSW. For appointment, contact your closest regional office. CJC provides a free mediation services to the community to help people resolve their own disputes. The service is free and confidential. A wide range of disputes are suitable for mediation including neighbourhood disputes, family, business, civil and small claims, workplace and community disputes.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mediation, Tel (02) 9228 7454
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Consumer Credit Legal Centre (NSW) Inc
PO Box 538, Surry Hills 2010
Credit and Debt Hotline open Mon - Frid 9.30am - 4.30pm 1800 808 488
Insurance Law Service Mon - Frid 9.30am - 4.30pm 1300 663 464
Internet www.cclcnsw.org.au
Telephone advice only
- Free financial counselling, information, referral and legal advice to individual consumers in NSW on credit, debt and banking issues, and insurance matters.
Tel (02) 9212 4216 (Administration only)
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CRC Court Support Scheme
174 Broadway, (cnr Shepherd St), Broadway, 2007
Tel (02) 9288 8700
Fax (02) 9211 6518
Email info@crcnsw.org.au
Internet www.crcnsw.org.au
Hours Mon, Tues, Thurs Friday 9.00 - 5.00
- A network of volunteers in local courts throughout metropolitan Sydney and the family court at Parramatta providing information, assistance and support for your day in court. It assists victims, defendants, witnesses and their families. It does not provide legal advice or representation. The service is confidential and free.
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Disability Advocacy NSW
Suite 3, Level 1, 408 King Street, Newcastle West
2302
Tel 1300 365 085
Email da@da.org.au
Internet www.da.org.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
- Disability Advocacy NSW covers three regions - Hunter, New England, Mid-North Coast. The service advocates for people with all disabilities (including mental illness) and carers to ensure that they are treated fairly.
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Disability Discrimination Legal Centre (NSW)
PO Box 989, Strawberry Hills, 2012
1800 800 708
TTY (02) 9310 4320, 1800 644 419
Fax (02) 9310 7788
Email info@ddlcnsw.org.au
Internet www.ddlcnsw.org.au
Advice line Tues, Wed and Frid 9.30am - 12.30pm.
- Provides free legal advice, representation and assistance for cases involving discrimination against people with disabilities and their associates. Not a generalist legal centre for people with disabilities. The Centre assists in cases of disability discrimination under the federal Disability Discrimination Act or the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act.
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Domestic Violence Advocacy Service, a division of Women's Legal Services NSW
Telephone advice line (02) 8745 6999 or 1800 810 784
TTY 1800 626 267
Fax (02) 9749 4433
Internet www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/domestic-violence-advocacy-service-dvas.htm
Telephone advice Mon, Tues, Thur, Friday 9.30 - 12.30 am and 1.30-4.30 pm
- A free legal service for women which provides legal advice, information and referral to women in NSW.
- Subject to availability, is able to represent women applying for Apprehended Violence Orders.
- Can arrange for a sympathetic private solicitor to act on a woman's behalf.
- Can advocate on behalf of women to relevant services, eg. police, courts.
- Provides community education and training for service providers.
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Dougherty Community Centre
7 Victor Street
Chatswood, 2067
Tel (02) 9777 7800
Thursday evenings from 6.30pm by appointment only
- Preliminary advice on all areas of law for people in the Chatswood area.
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Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Service
4 Station St, Katoomba 2780
Tel (02) 4782 4155
Fax (02) 4782 4384
Email admin@eeclc.org.au
www.eeclc.org.au/
Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-12.30 and 1.30-5.00
Telephone advice Mon, Tues, Thur, and Frid mornings 10am - 12noon.
Domestic violence court assistance at Katoomba and Lithgow Courts for women seeking apprehended violence orders.
- Free legal advice, including domestic violence, family law, social security matters, children's law, neighbourhood matters and compensation.
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Energy and Water Ombudsman
PO Box K1343
Haymarket, 1240
Freecall 1800 246 545
Freefax 1800 812 291
Email omb@ewon.com.au
Internet www.ewon.com.au
- The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) provides an independent way of resolving customer complaints about all electricity and gas suppliers in NSW and some water suppliers.
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Environmental Defenders Office [NSW]
EDO Sydney - Level 1, 89 York Street, Sydney 2000, Sydney callers (02) 9262 6989, Regional callers 1800 626 239
Telephone advice Tues, Weds and Thurs 2.30-5.30pm
EDO Northern Rivers - 1/71 Molesworth Street, Lismore, 2480, Tel 1300 369 791
Telephone advice Mon - Frid 9am - 5pm
Email edonsw@edo.org.au
Internet www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/default.php
- Provides initial free legal advice to individuals and groups in public interest law matters relating to the protection of our environment.
- Provides plain english publications, workshops and conferences.
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Family Relationship Advice Line
Tel 1800 050 321
Internet Family Relationship Advice Line
Advice line hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 8pm, Sat 10am - 4pm (except national public holidays)
-
The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service established to assist families affected by relationship or separation issues. The Advice Line provides information on family relationship issues and advice on parenting arrangements after separation. It can also refer callers to local services that can provide assistance. The Advice Line complements the information and services offered by the Family Relationship Centres.
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Far West Community Legal Centre
5 Chloride Street, Broken Hill, 2880
Tel (08) 8088 2020
Freecall 1800 300 036
Fax (08) 8088 2060
Internet
www.farwestclc.org.au/
Hours Mon-Friday 9am - 4.30pm CST
Interview times by appointment
- Provides free legal information, advice, and referral to residents of the Far West of NSW including Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Wentworth, Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Wanaaring and Ivanhoe.
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Financial Ombudsman Service
GPO Box 3, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001
Tel 1300 78 08 08
Email info@fos.org.au
Internet www.fos.org.au
9am - 5pm weekdays (Melbourne time)
- Provides accessible, fair and independent dispute resolution for consumers and financial service providers..
Hawkesbury Nepean Community Legal Centre
Unit 2, 299 George Street, Windsor, 2756
Tel (02) 4587 8877
Fax (02) 4587 8938
Email hawkesbury_nsw@clc.net.au
Internet www.hnclc.net.au
Office hours Mon, Tues and Thur 9-4.30, Wed 9-6.30, Frid 9.30-12.30, closed daily for lunch 12.30-1.30
Telephone advice Mon 1.30-4.00 Thur 9.30-12.00
Appointment Weds evenings 6.00-7.30 by appointment only.
- This Centre offers free legal advice to people in the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Hills area.
- Domestic violence advice and support is a priority. Domestic violence court support available for women applying for Apprehended Violence Orders at Windsor Court
- Other areas include discrimination, family law (advice only), credit and debt and victim's compensation.
- Provides Aboriginal Legal Access Project with Aboriginal workers for advice, information, referral and support.
- Outreach for advice are available by appointment at Riverstone, North Richmond, Bligh Park, Wiseman's Ferry.
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HIV/AIDS Legal Centre
9 Commonwealth Street Surry Hills or PO Box 350, Darlinghurst 1300
(located within the ACON building)
Tel (02) 9206 2060 Freecall 1800 063 060
Fax (02) 9206 2053
Hours Mon-Fri 10.00-6.00
Email halc@halc.org.au
Internet www.halc.org.au
Face to face advice by appointment only
- The Centre provides free advice on most HIV related legal matters.
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Homeless Persons Legal Service
Provides free advice to people who are homeless at the following locations and times. Will provide legal advice on housing, tenancy and eviction, fines, victims' compensation, debt and consumer credit, social security, mental health, community health orders, guardianship and administration, questions of identity, wills and estates, discrimination and employment law.
www.piac.asn.au/legal/clinics.html. Weekly clinics at Potts Point, Woolloomooloo, Bondi Beach, Parramatta, Surry Hills, Newtown, Darlinghurst.
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Hunter Community Legal Centre
Level 2, Suite 76, Market Square, Hunter Street Mall, Newcastle 2300
Tel (02) 4926 3220 or 1800 650 073 for rural clients
TTY (02) 4927 8909
Fax (02) 4929 7996
Email hunter_nsw@clc.org.au
Internet www.hunterclc.org.au
Hours Mon-Thur 9am - 5pm, Frid 9am - 3.30pm
Telephone advice Mon 9.30am-12.30, Wed 9.30-12.30
Thurs evening 5.30-8.00 by appointment only
Interviews by appointment
Outreach clinics held monthly at Hunter Women's Centre Mayfield and Northern Settlement Services Hamilton.
- Provides free legal advice and referral for people in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Upper and Lower Hunter and Great Lakes district.
Tel (02) 4926 3329 (Administration only)
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Illawarra Legal Centre
7 Greene Street or PO Box 139, Warrawong 2502
Tel (02) 4276 1939
Fax (02) 4276 1978
TTY National Relay 133677
Internet www.illawarralegalcentre.org.au
General law
Telephone advice Tues 2.30-4.30, Wed 10.00-12.00, Thurs 2.30-4.30
Volunteer solicitor available Thurs evenings at Wollongong Library 6.00 by appointment
Welfare Rights (Centrelink problems)
Tel (02) 4276 1939
Telephone advice Tues 10am-12 noon, Wed 2.30pm-4.30pm
Phone for appointments.
Financial counselling
Tel (02) 4276 1939
Telephone advice Mon 2.00-4.30, Wed 9.30-1.00 and 2.00-3.30
Appointments Tues 9.30-4.00
Illawarra Tenants Service
Tel (02) 4274 3475 or 1800 807 225
Fax (02) 4274 3491
Telephone advice Mon, Tues, Frid 9.00-1.00; Wed 9.00-5.00. Closed Thursdays.
- Gives free legal advice and support for residents of the Illawarra region.
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Immigration Advice and Rights Centre
Level 5, 362 Kent Street, Sydney 2010
Tel (02) 9262 3833
Fax (02) 9299 8467
Internet www.iarc.asn.au
Telephone advice Tues and Thurs 2.00-4.00 on (02) 9262 3833
Face to face advice by appointment only - call (02) 9279 4300.
- Provides free advice to financially disadvantaged clients on most areas of immigration law. Clients are assisted in lodging applications and appeals to tribunals.
- No advice provided in judicial review cases, economic stream migration, retirement visas, withdrawal of sponsorship or assurance of support, most student visa problems, or for migration to countries other than Australia.
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Inner City Legal Centre
50-52 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross 2011
PO Box 25 Potts Point 1335
Tel (02) 9332 1966
Fax (02) 9360 5941
Email inner_city@clc.net.au
Internet www.iclc.org.au
Hours Mon-Thurs 10.00-6.00, Fri 10.00-5.00, Tues and Wed evenings 6.00-8.00 by appointment.
The Centre is closed between 1.00-2.00 each day.
Urgent legal advice is provided by telephone to victims of domestic violence.
In person advice provided by appointment in the following areas apprehended violence orders, criminal matters, debt/credit, discrimination, employment, family law, juvenile justice, victims compensation and other areas of general law.
- Provides referrals and assistance to people who live and/or work in the inner city and surrounding areas. Also participate in community legal education and law reform.
- Employment and unfair dismissal specialists.
-
The Lesbian and Gay Legal Advice Service operates out of the Centre on Wednesday evenings. This service provides legal advice to lesbians and gay men.
- The Centre does not give advice on sale of property, conveyancing, immigration or commercial matters.
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Insurance Law Service
c/- Consumer Credit Legal Centre
PO Box 538, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Tel 1300 663 464
Telephone Interpreting Service: 131 450
Email clc_nsw@clc.net.au
Internet www.cclcnsw.org.au
Hours Mon - Frid 9.30 - 4.30
- a point of first contact for the general public to get advice as to their rights and legal remedies when they are dealing with insurers or find themselves in an insurance dispute.
- in certain circumstances can provide legal assistance in either an ongoing Insurance Dispute Resolution Scheme or a relevant Court Proceeding.
- cannot provide advice to insurers or businesses.
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Intellectual Disability Rights Service
Suite 2c/199 Regent St, Redfern 2016
Tel (02) 9318 0144
Freecall 1800 666 611
Criminal Justice Support Network 24 hour service 1300 665 908
Fax (02) 9318 2887
Telephone advice Mon-Fri 2.00-5.00
Email info@idrs.org.au
Internet www.idrs.org.au
Interview times by appointment
- The IDRS works to advance the rights of people with an intellectual disability. Services include free legal advice, advocacy, referral and education on rights issues. Also advocates for policy and law reform.
- Operates the Criminal Justice Support Network which is a support service for people with an intellectual disability who come into contact with the criminal justice system, either as a victim, witness or alleged offender. This service is state-wide.
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Kingsford Legal Centre
Law Building, Ground Floor,
University of NSW, 2052
Tel (02) 9385 9566
TTY (02) 9385 9572
Email legal@unsw.edu.au
Internet www.law.unsw.edu.au/centres/klc/index.asp
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00 (closed for lunch 1.00-2.00)
Interview times by appointment only.
- Provides free legal service for people who live, work or study in the Randwick/ Botany (LGA). Areas include: consumer debt, criminal law, discrimination, employment, motor traffic matters, social security problems, tenancy and victims compensation.
- Specialist legal service for discrimination matters open to anyone in New South Wales. Daytime appointments only.
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Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre
16-18 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli 2061
Tel (02) 9922 4428
Fax (02) 9956 7562
Internet www.kncsydney.org
Interviews times by appointment Tues evening 6.00-7.00
- Book for a twenty minute appointment with a solicitor for free legal advice on a range of matters including credit/debt, family law, criminal matters, motor vehicles, wills and small business.
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The Law Society of NSW
170 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000
Pro Bono Scheme
Tel (02) 9926 0364
Email probonoscheme@lawsocnsw.asn.au
Internet www.lawsociety.com.au
- Pro Bono Scheme Tel (02) 9926 0364. Work done by the legal profession on a pro bono basis means work done "for the public good". The Pro Bono Scheme co-ordinates legal assistance and representation, where appropriate, for people who satisfy the means and merit criteria of the Scheme. People who cannot afford a private solicitor and cannot get legal aid may benefit from this Scheme. A referral to a Pro bono solicitor may be provided without charge or for a reduced fee to those who qualify.
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LawAccess NSW
Tel 1300 888 529
TTY 1300 889 529
Fax (02) 8833 3101
Internet www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Hours: 9am - 5pm Mon - Frid (excluding public holidays)
- provides legal information and referral
- provides legal advice in some cases
- legal information factsheets available from their website
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Legal Aid Commission
Ring your closest Legal Aid office for an appointment, or
call LawAccess on 1300 888 529 for further information
- Legal Aid provides free legal advice to anyone on most matters.
- Legal advice is not means tested and you do not need to apply for a grant of legal aid to get free legal advice.
- Family law advice is available without an appointment at head office in Sydney and at Parramatta. To make an appointment on other matters or at another location, call your nearest Legal Aid office.
See their advice policies in brief.
Legal Aid Commission - Specialist Services
Children
The Commission provides help for children involved in criminal and child welfare cases before the Children's Court and, where appropriate, help for parents involved in welfare cases.
The Commission operates a Children's Legal Service for children from legal offices at:
- Sydney (for Bidura Children's Court) Tel (02) 9219 5120
- Parramatta (for Lidcombe Children's Court) Tel (02) 9891 1600
- Penrith (for Cobham Children's Court) Tel (02) 4732 3077
- Campbelltown (for Campbelltown Children's Court) Tel (02) 4628 2922
For other Children's Courts contact your local Legal Aid Office
Legal Aid also fund separate representatives for children in Family Court matters.
Mental Health Advice
Tel (02) 9745 4277 TTY
Internet www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=594
Prisoners' Legal Service
Tel (02) 9219 5888 (reverse charges)
Internet www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=595
Child Support Service
Tel (02) 9744 3833 or 1800 451 784
Internet www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=593
Veterans' Advocacy Service (veterans and their dependants)
Tel (02) 9219 5148 or (02) 9339 7228 TTY
Internet www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=596
Publications Unit
Tel (02) 9219 5028
The Unit provides community education programs and publications.
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Lesbian and Gay Legal Rights Service
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Macarthur Legal Centre
4 Broughton Street or PO Box 798, Campbelltown 2560
Tel (02) 4628 2042
Fax (02) 4628 0771
Internet
www.macarthurlegal.org.au/
Telephone advice Tues evening 6.00-8.00 and Thurs 2.30-5.00
Interview times by appointment only, appointments at the Centre on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons
- Provide free legal advice to people living in the Macarthur area. Telephone advice is also given to community workers on behalf of their clients whenever a solicitor is available. The Centre also has a Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme.
- Outreach service fortnightly at Macarthur Migrant Resource Centre - tel 4627 1188; 1st Weds of the month at Wollondilly Youth Centre - tel 4683 3371; 2nd Tues of the month at Traxside - tel 4625 2525
- Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme tel (02) 4640 7333
- Domestic and Family Violence Intervention Service (DAFVIS) (02) 4640 7300
- Macarthur Diversity Services fortnightly at Macarthur Migrant Resource Centre 4627 1188; 1st Wed of the month at Community Links Wollondilly (02) 4683 2776
- South West Tenancy advice Mon - Wed 9 am -1 pm, Thur 4pm - 8pm; Frid 9am - 3pm - tel 4628 1678 or 1800 631 993. Drop in advice every Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm
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Macquarie Legal Centre
Suite 302, Level 3, 107 Phillip Street, Parramatta, 2150
Tel (02) 8833 0911
Fax (02) 8833 0900
TTY (02) 9760 1190
Internet www.macquarielegal.org.au/
Email Macquarie_NSW@clc.net.au
Advice in person by appointment only. After hours advice on Thur evenings.
Telephone advice Mon and Thurs 2.00-4.30
- Provides the Home Building Advocacy Service (pilot). Assists consumers after they have completed the Office of Fair Trading's dispute resolution process.
Under this service, consumers are able to access advice on what legal arguments support their side of a building dispute, obtain help in gathering evidence for a Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal hearing
and professional legal support.
Note, there may be charges for some services.
In the first instance, the Service will give preference to consumers residing in the catchment area of Macquarie Legal Centre. - Services means tested and area tested.
- Will only provide advice to people who do not already have a solicitor.
- Operates the Central West Contact Service, a supervised contact and changeover service for children and parents. 9893 7949
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Manly Community Centre
12 Wentworth Street, Manly, 2095
Tel (02) 9977 1066
Internet www.manly.nsw.gov.au/Manly-Community-Centre.html
Hours are Thur, 6pm-8pm, 3rd Sat of the month 10.00am-12.00. No appointment necessary.
- The Centre provides legal advice and assistance to residents of the Manly area of Sydney.
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Marrickville Legal Centre and Children's Legal Service
338 Illawarra Road, Marrickville 2204
Tel (02) 9559 2899
Fax. (02) 9558 5213
Telephone hours Mon-Fri 9.30-1.00 and 2.00-5.00
Internet
www.mlc.asn.au/
Interview times by appointment only
Free evening advice sessions - phone for an appointment
Free interpreters available by appointment
- Specialist Children's Legal Service for people under 18. Phone for an appointment
- Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Service (including telephone advice for tenants Mon-Fri 2.00-5.00) Mon, Weds Thursday 2.00-5.00pm; Tues 10.00-5.00, Frid 9.00-1.00
- Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme at Newtown Court every Monday at 10.00. Phone Centre for information
- Free legal advice to individuals and community organisations.
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Mt Druitt and Area Community Legal Centre Inc
76 Rooty Hill Road North, Rooty Hill, 2766
Postal address: PO Box 93, Rooty Hill, 2766
Tel (02) 9675 2009
Fax (02) 9675 2110
Hours Mon-Fri 9.30-1.00 and 2.00-4.30
Telephone advice Tues and Thurs 2pm-4.30pm
- Provides free legal advice, casework and referral to people who live in the Blacktown local government area and the East Ward of the Penrith local government area.
- Provides basic general legal advice in areas of law including: domestic violence, family law, child support, tenancy, financial services, wills, motor vehicle accidents, neighbourhood disputes and complaints against government departments.
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National Children's and Youth Law Centre
c/- Law School Building, (First floor), University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052
Tel (02) 9385 9588
Fax (02) 9385 9589
Email ncylc@unsw.edu.au
Web page www.ncylc.org.au
- Provides an email advice service, LawMail, where people under 18 years of age can email their legal question. www.lawstuff.org.au
- Undertakes systems advocacy to improve children's legal rights and promotes the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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NSW Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services
- Independent services based in community organisations throughout the State. They are funded by the NSW Government and provide information, advice and advocacy for tenants about their rights.
- Provide help with Residential Tenancy Tribunal hearings, disputes with landlords, problems with real estate agents and problems with the Department of Housing.
- Negotiate on behalf of a tenant, provide telephone advice, information sessions on tenants' rights specifically for people with a disability and for tenants from non English speaking backgrounds. There are also specialist services such as a caravan and mobile home resourcing service, an Aboriginal resource worker and a resourcing body located at the Tenants' Union of NSW.
Metropolitan services
- Eastern Sydney area tenancy services
- Inner Sydney tenancy
- Inner West Sydney tenancy
- Northern Area tenancy
- South West tenancy
- Southern Sydney tenancy
- Western Sydney tenancy (including Blue mountains)
Regional services
- Central Coast
- Hunter tenancy
- Illawarra tenancy
- Mid North Coast tenancy
- New England and Western tenancy
- Northern Rivers tenancy
- South West tenancy
Specialist services
- Aboriginal tenants
- Boarders and lodgers
- Older persons tenancy
- Parks and Village tenants
- Social and Public tenants
See also the Tenants Union
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North and North West Community Legal Service
107 Faulkner Street, Armidale 2350
Tel (02) 6772 8100 or 1800 687 687
Fax (02) 6772 8107
Email nnwcls@gmail.com
Internet www.nnwcls.org.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00 by appointment
- Free legal service for the New England and North West region. Provides information, advice and referral. Outreach Service within the region including Moree, Glen Innes, Inverell and Gunnedah.
- Free mediation service
- Tenancy advice and advocacy service provided by the New England and Western Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, Tel 1800 836 268
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Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre
10 Club Lane, Lismore 2480
Tel (02) 6621 1000 or 1800 689 889
Fax (02) 6621 1011
Email nrclc@clc.net.au
Internet www.nrclc.org.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-4.00, Thurs evening 6.00-8.00
Interviews by appointment
- The Centre provides free legal advice for residents within the Northern Rivers region from Grafton to Tweed Heads. Outreach service to Byron Bay, Casino, Kyogle, Pottsville. Phone for an appointment.
- Telephone advice (by appointment only).
- Wide range of information about all legal matters.
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Office of Fair Trading
Fair Trading Centres tel 13 32 20
Locations
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/Contact_us/Fair_Trading_Centres.html
Head Office 1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta 2150
Head Office tel (02) 9895 0111, 1800 451 301
TTY 1300 723 404
Web guides and factsheets www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Hours Mon-Fri 8.30-5.30 metropolitan centres, 8.30-5.00 country centres
Specialist Services:
- Aboriginal contact officer 1800 500 330
- Rental Bonds tel 1800 422 021; (02) 9377 9000
- Tenancy Inquiries tel 1800 451 301; (02) 9377 9100
- Strata Schemes Office tel 1800 451 431; (02) 9338 7900
- REVS (Register Encumbered Vehicles) tel 1800 424 988; (02) 9633 6333
- Building contract sales tel 1800 639 722
- Business licence information tel 1800 463 976; (02) 9619 8722
Fair Trading deals with a range of consumer and trader issues including general consumer inquiries, residential leases, rental bonds, strata schemes, home building complaints, business names registration, co-operatives, associations, trade measurements and REVS. Occupational licensing for the following: builders and related trades, business agents, conveyancers, employment agents, motor dealers, on-site residential property managers, pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers, public weighbridge operators, real estate agents, real estate valuers, stock and station agents, strata managing agents, trade measurement service providers and travel agents.
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Office of the Legal Services Commissioner
Level 9, OCBC Building
75 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, 2000
Tel 1800 242 958 or (02) 9377 1800
TTY (02) 9377 1855
Email olsc@agd.nsw.gov.au
- The OLSC receives complaints about solicitors and barristers licensed to practise in New South Wales. Offers advice to people having problems with their legal practitioners by explaining rights, helping in evaluating options, referring to appropriate services. In some cases, they are able to contact legal practitioners directly on an informal basis and try to resolve the problem, eliminating the need to make a formal complaint.
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Older Persons Tenants' Service (OPTS) (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW Inc)
Level 1, The Harris Centre, 97 Quarry Street, Ultimo, 2007
Tel (02) 9566 1120 or Toll Free 1800 131310
Fax (02) 9281 6875
TTY (02) 9281 3893
Internet www.cpsa.org.au
Email opts@cpsa.org.au
Can help tenants 55 years and older with dealings with landlords, getting repairs done, understanding your written tenancy agreement. Also provides a specialist service for protected tenants.
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-4.00
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Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Level 9, 299 Elizabeth Street
Tel (02) 8898 6500
Fax (02) 8898 6555
Email piac@piac.asn.au
Internet www.piac.asn.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Telephone advice Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Interview times by appointment
- PIAC is an independent, non-profit litigation policy and research centre located in Sydney. Its charter is to promote the public interest through challenging laws, policies and practices that are unjust or deficient. PIAC's work focuses on human rights, utilities, indigenous justice, detention, access to justice, government and democracy and health.
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Redfern Legal Centre
73 Pitt Street, Redfern 2016
Tel (02) 9698 7277
TTY (02) 9699 8037
Fax (02) 9310 3586
Internet www.rlc.org.au
General advice
Free advice and advocacy service for individuals and community organisations in the Sydney, Botany and Leichhardt Council areas. Assistance to people who cannot afford a lawyer, do not qualify for legal aid and live in the catchment area listed above, or are approved by the Centre. The Centre also provides advice
and representation for women seeking apprehended violence orders (domestic violence) in the Downing Centre Local Court.
Telephone hours Mon-Thurs 9.00-1.00, 2.00-6.00, Fri 9.00-1.00 and 2.00-5.00
Telephone advice Mon-Thurs evenings 6.30-8.30 by appointment
Face to face advice by appointment Mon-Thurs evenings 6.30-8.30, and limited day time appointments for those who cannot attend at night on Tues afternoons.
Credit and debt problems Mon and Thurs evenings 6.30-8.30.
Tenancy advice
Redfern Legal Centre also provides a specialist tenants' advice service for tenants in Sydney, Botany and Leichhardt council areas.
Tel (02) 9698 5975
Telephone hours Mon 9-5; Weds 9.30-1; Thur 11-1; Frid 9.30-1, 2-5.
Interviews by appointment
Information and advice about tenants' rights, disputes with landlords, Residential Tenancy Tribunal evictions etc for private and public tenants.
Student advice service
Also provides a legal service to students at Sydney University and Sydney Institute of TAFE through its branch offices at - Student
Representative Council (02) 9660 5222, Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (02) 9351 3715 and Sydney Institute of TAFE (02) 9217 5473.
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Refugee Advice and Casework Service [Australia] Inc
8C, 46-56 Kippax Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Tel (02) 9211 4001
Fax (02) 9281 8078
Email: admin@racs.org.au
Internet www.racs.org.au
For people who face persecution in their own countries and seek asylum and protection in Australia.
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00 - interviews by appointment.
Telephone advice Tues and Thur 10am - 12.00.
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Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc
50 Junction Street, Nowra 2541
PO Box 1496
Tel (02) 4422 9529; 1800 229 529
Fax (02) 4422 7573
Email info@shoalcoast.org.au
Website www.shoalcoast.org.au.
Interview times: Every weekday by appointment, except Weds
Telephone advice Tuesday and Thur 10.00 to 12.00
- Provides free legal advice and advocacy for a range of individuals and groups in the Shoalhaven and Far South Coast, especially those on low incomes or otherwise disadvantaged in their access to justice.
- The Centre also undertakes a range of related activities including law reform, and community legal education such as classes, workshops and pamphlets.
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The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre
356 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 2010
Tel (02) 9322 4808, mobile 0418 407 290
Fax (02) 9331 3287
Email shopfront@freehills.com
Internet www.theshopfront.org
Hours Mon-Fri 9.30-5.00 (arrangements can be made outside hours if necessary)
- The centre is a free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 and under. It also provides legal information and training for young people and youth workers.
- Specialises in criminal law (including assisting young people with fines and the State Debt recovery Office).
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South West Sydney Legal Centre
30 Pirie Street, Liverpool 2170
Tel (02) 9601 7777
Fax (02) 9601 7400
Translator and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131450
Email info@swslc.org.au
Internet
swslc.org.au/
Telephone advice Tues and Weds 12.30-2.30pm; Thur 6pm-8pm
Bookings by appointment.
- For people who live in the Bankstown, Cabramatta and Liverpool LGAs
- Provides free legal advice, assistance and referrals on most legal matters
- Advice given to community workers at all times, subject to staff availability
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Strata Mediation Services, Office of Fair Trading
Level 6, 175 Castlereagh Street Sydney 2000
Tel 13 32 20
Fax (02) 9641 6565
Hours Mon-Fri 8.30-4.30
Internet www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- This Service provides information and help on management and dispute resolution under the Strata Schemes Management Act and the Community Land Management Act. Assistance is given on the telephone, by personal interview or in writing.
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Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
Level 3, 595 Collins Street
PO Box 276, Collins Street West, Vic, 8007
Melbourne Victoria, 8007
Tel 1800 062 058, (03) 8600 8700
TTY 1800 675 692
Fax 1800 630 614, (03) 8600 8797
Email tio@tio.com.au
Internet www.tio.com.au
- The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is a free and independent alternative dispute resolution scheme for small business and residential consumers in Australia who have a complaint about their telephone or Internet service.
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Tenants' Union of NSW
1 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Tenants Hotline 1800 251 101 or (02) 8117 3750
Hours Mon-Fri 9.30-1.00 and 2.00-5.00
Email tunsw@clc.net.au
Internet www.tenants.org.au
- Provides free information, advice and assistance to all tenants across NSW. A specialist legal centre, the Tenants' Union coordinates the Tenants' Hotline and is a resourcing body for the State-wide Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP), providing training, legal, policy, IT and service development resources for the services in the TAAP network.
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University of Newcastle Legal Centre
Level 2, University House,
300 King Street, (Corner of Auckland Street), Newcastle, 2300
Tel (02) 4921 8666
Fax (02) 4921 8866
Email legalcentre@newcastle.edu.au
Internet
www.newcastle.edu.au/school/law
Drop-in Weds 1.30-4.30 (during University semesters) and Weds evenings by appointment.
- Provides free advice for members of the community in a range of matters, including family law, unfair dismissal, victims compensation, neighbourhood disputes, person injury, debt recovery, wills and estates.
- Representation in public interest matters.
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Warringah Legal Referral Service (operating through Northside Community Connect)
30 Howard Avenue, Dee Why, 2099
Tel: (02) 9931 7777
Hours: Thurs 6-8pm (no appointments)
- The Centre provides legal referral and assistance to residents of the Manly Warringah and Pittwater local government areas.
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Welfare Rights Centre
102/55 Holt St, Surry Hills 2010
Tel (02) 9211 5300 or 1800 226 028
TTY (02) 9211 0238
Fax (02) 9211 5268
Email welfarerights@welfarerights.org.au
Internet
www.welfarerights.org.au/default.aspx
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Telephone advice Mon 9.00-1.00, Tues 1.00-5.00, Wed 9.00-1.00, Thurs 9.00-1.00, Fri 9.00-1.00
Interview times by appointment
- Free information and advice about all social security/Centrelink matters. Help and/or representation at all levels of the appeal process.
- Quarterly newsletter available for annual subscription of $33 (full) or $16.50 (concession).
- The Independent Social Security Handbook is available online from the Centre, and in hard copy.
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Western NSW Community Legal Centre Inc
51 Bultje Street, Dubbo 2830
PO Box 1493, Dubbo, 2830
Tel 1800 655 927; (02) 6884 9422
Fax (02) 6884 9397
Email western_nsw@clc.net.au
Internet www.wnswclc.org.au
Hours Mon-Fri 9am 1pm, 2pm -4pm
Financial Counselling Service tel (02) 6884 8344
- Legal advice and assistance for the people of western New South Wales.
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Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre
Corner of Livingstone and Marrickville Roads, Marrickville
PO Box 785 Marrickville, 1475
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Tel (02) 9569 3847 or 1800 686 587
Fax (02) 9569 4210
Email wirringa_baiya@clc.net.au
Web www.wirringabaiya.org.au
Telephone advice Mon - Thurs 10am - 4pm, Frid 10am - 12.30pm
Interviews by appointment preferred.
- This service provides free legal advice and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children with a focus on those who are, or who have been victims of violence.
- Community Legal Education for Aboriginal women and children and people who work with Aboriginal women and children.
- Also provides limited casework and law reform activities
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Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Program
- This service provides referral and support for the women of NSW including assistance with apprehended violence orders
There are Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes (WDVCAS) in a range of locations.
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Women's Legal Centre
PO Box 1726, Canberra City 2601
Tel (02) 6257 4499 or 1800 634 699 outside Canberra
Hours Mon-Fri 9.30am-12 noon.
- The Centre provides legal advice, assistance and information for women living in the Canberra and the ACT region.
- Provides community legal education and undertakes law reform activities
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Women's Legal Services NSW
PO Box 206 Lidcombe 1825
Telephone advice (02) 9749 5533, 1800 801 501 for rural clients, TTY 1800 674 333
Tel (02) 9749 7700 (administration only)
Fax (02) 9749 4433
Email Womens_NSW@clc.net.au
Internet www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/
Advice line open Mon to Frid 9.30am - 12.30pm; Mon, Tues, Thur, Frid 1.30pm - 4.30pm
- This Centre provides free legal advice, information and referral on all aspects of the law as it affects women. It conducts legal education programs, produces written resources and works to make the law more responsive to the needs of women.
Outreach services:
- Blacktown - Women and Girls Health Centre (02) 9831 2070
- Campbelltown - Wilma Women's Health Centre (02) 4627 2955
- Fairfield - Immigrant Women's Health Centre (02) 9726 4044
- Liverpool - Liverpool Women's Health Centre (02) 9601 3555
- Penrith - Penrith Women's Health Centre (02) 4721 8749
- Walgett - Women's Violence Prevention Unit (02) 6828 3143
- Wyong - Rose Cottage (02) 4357 1152
Operates the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
The Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Program Training and Resources Unit provides training to the staff of more than the 33 Court Assistance Schemes in NSW.
Indigenous Women's Program - provides legal assistance to Aboriginal women and children throughout NSW
Advice Line 1800 639 784
Advice line hours Mon to Frid 10am - 12.30pm; Mon, Tues, Thur, Frid 1.30 - 4pm.
Workplace Ombudsman
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9887 in all Capital Cities
Tel 1300 724 200
TTY 1800 555 677 (then ask for 1300 363 264)
Internet
http://www.wo.gov.au/Pages/Default.aspx
- Provides advice, assistance, information and education on workplace agreements made under the Workplace Relations Act 1996
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Contact the
