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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Albury Wodonga Community Legal Service
227 Lawrence Street, Wodonga, 3690
558 Mitchell St, Albury, 2640
PO Box 725, 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 Albury Weds 9.00-12.00 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Ask! A free Legal Service for Youth
Randwick - Ted Noffs Foundation, 206A Alison Road (cnr Avoca Street) - Tues evenings between 4.00 - 6pm (by appointment)
Penrith - Junction Youth Health Centre (cnr Station and Henry Streets) - Thurs (by appointment)
Tel (02) 8383 6629
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Australian Copyright Council
PO Box 1986, Strawberry Hills, 2012
245 Chalmers Street, Redfern 2016
Tel (02) 9318 1788
Fax (02) 9698 3536
Email info@copyright.org.au
Internet www.copyright.org.au
Advice Mon and Weds only, 9am - 12noon, 2pm - 5pm.
- The Australian Copyright Council is an independent, non-profit organisation. It provides information about copyright, primarily through its website. Copyright Council lawyers can give preliminary legal advice about copyright to creators and arts organisations, and, in some cases, to libraries, educational institutions and governments.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Central Coast Legal Centre
The Green House, 1 River Road, Wyong 2259
P.O. Box 246, Wyong, 2259
Tel (02) 4353 4988
Fax. (02) 4353 4680
Internet
www.centralcoastlegalcentre.org.au
Advice by appointment only.
- This Centre provides free legal advice, information and referral. Community Legal Education workshops and Law Reform work.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Communications Law Centre
Victoria University
Tel (03) 9919 1274 (no advice via phone)
Internet CLC www.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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Community Justice Centres
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.
- Sydney CJCs, Gound Floor, Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Road, Bankstown, 2200, Tel (02) 9790 0656, Email cjc_sydney@agd.nsw.gov.au
- Northern NSW CJCs, Cnr Bolton and Church Sreets, Newcastle, 2300 Tel (02) 4925 0333 or 1800 990 777, Email cjc_northern@agd.nsw.gov.au
- Western NSW CJCs Level 1, 311 High Street, Penrith, Tel (02) 4732 1933 or 1800 232 736, Email cjc_western@agd.nsw.gov.au
- Southern NSW CJCs 2nd Floor, Transport House, 1 Rawson Street, Wollongong, 2500, Tel (02) 4228 0433 or 1800 650 987, Email cjc_southern@agd.nsw.gov.au
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mediation, Tel (02) 9228 7454
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Consumer Credit Legal Centre (NSW) Inc
PO Box 538, Surry Hills 2010
Credit and Debt Hotline open Frid 9.30am - 4.30pm 1800 808 488 -
Email CCLC_NSW@fcl.fl.asn.au
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.
Tel (02) 9212 4216 (Administration only)
Fax (02) 9212 4711 (Administration only)
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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-Fri 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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 and carers to ensure that they receive the same rights as other citizens.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Disability Discrimination Legal Centre (NSW)
PO Box 989, Stawberry Hills, 2012
Tel (02) 9310 7722 (voicemail) or 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.dvas.org.au
Telephone advice Mon to Frid 9.30am to 12.30pm; Mon, Tues, Thur, Frid 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Service
4 Station St, Katoomba 2780
Tel (02) 4782 4155
Fax (02) 4782 4384
Email admin@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.
Tenancy outreach every Wednesday (for tenancy advice and appointments tel (02) 1800 625 956)
Domestic violence court assistance at Katoomba and Lithgow Courts for women seeking apprehended violence orders.
Financial counselling by appointment - 6332 3456.
- Free legal advice, including domestic violence, family law, social security matters, children's law, neighbourhood matters and compensation.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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 - 10 Club Lane, Lismore, 2480, Tel 1300 369 791
Telephone advice Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10.00am and 1.00pm
Email edonsw@edo.org.au
Internet www.edo.org.au/edonsw
- 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Family Court Counselling Service
Family Court of Australia, Sydney Registry, Level 2, 97-99 Goulburn
Street, Sydney 2000
Tel (02) 9217 7300
Fax (02) 9217 7201 (also in Albury, Canberra, Dubbo, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta and Wollongong)
Internet www.familycourt.gov.au
- This is a confidential service for parents who are separating or divorced and who have made application to the Court regarding arrangements for their children in relation to residence, contact or other specific issues.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Hawkesbury Nepean Community Legal Centre
13 Bosworth Street, Richmond 2753
Tel (02) 4588 5618
Fax (02) 4588 5671
Email Hawkesbury_NSW@fcl.fl.asn.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
- This Centre offers free legal advice to people in the Hawkesbury/Nepean area. Domestic violence, credit and debt problems, family law and tenancy advice are a priority. Domestic violence court support available at Hawkesbury Court. Other areas include discrimination, social security and victims' compensation. Appointments with tenancy advisor are available.
- Provides Aboriginal legal access project with Aboriginal workers for advice, information, referrals and support.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
Weekly advice clinics - at Potts Point, Woolloomooloo, Bondi Beach, Parramatta, Surry Hills, Newtown, Darlinghurst.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Hunter Community Legal Centre
PO Box 84, Newcastle 2300
Tel (02) 4926 3220 or 1800 650 073 for rural clients
Fax (02) 4929 7996
Web page 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 Hamilton Migrant Resource Centre.
- 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)
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
- Gives free legal advice and support for residents of the Illawarra region.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
Mon evening 6.00-9.00 by appointment
Wed evening 6.00-9.00 by appointment at Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre, 15 Hunter Street, Parramatta
- 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Inner City Legal Centre
Level 2, Room 6A-6B, 66 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 2010
Tel (02) 9332 1966
Fax (02) 9360 5941
Email inner_city@fcl.fl.asn.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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Insurance Law Service
c/- Consumer Credit Legal Centre
PO Box 538, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Tel 1300 663 464
Telephone Interpreting Service: 131 450
Internet www.cclcnsw.org.au/content/view/110/84/
Hours Mon-Weds 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Intellectual Disability Rights Service
Suite 2c/199 Regent St, Redfern 2016
Tel (02) 9318 0144
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.kingsfordlegalcentre.org
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre
16-18 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli 2061
Tel (02) 9922 4428
Fax (02) 9956 7562
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
The Law Society of NSW
170 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000
Pro Bono Scheme
Tel (02) 9926 0364
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Lesbian and Gay Legal Rights Service
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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 Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme tel (02) 4628 6170
- South West Access Place is a supervised access/handover service, tel (02) 4628 0803
- South West Tenancy advice Mon 10am-12 noon, 4-8pm; Tues 9am-1pm; Weds 9am-1pm; Frid 10am-1pm - tel 4628 1678 or 1800 631 993
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Macquarie Legal Centre
Level 1, 250 Pitt Street, Merrylands, 2160
Tel (02) 9760 0111
Fax (02) 9760 2255
TTY (02) 9760 1190
Internet
www.macquarielegal.org.au/
Advice by appointment, 9.00 -1.00 pm Mon, Tues, Frid, 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. - Employment advice sometimes given to clients from beyond the geographical area.
- 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. (02 9893 7949)
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Manly Community Centre
12 Wentworth Street, Manly, 2095
Tel (02) 9977 1066
Hours: Thur, 6pm-8pm, 3rd Sat of the month 10.00am-12.00
- The Centre provides legal advice and assistance to residents of the Manly area of Sydney.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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/
Email
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
National Children's and Youth Law Centre
c/- Law School Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052
Tel (02) 9385 9588
Fax (02) 9385 9589
Email ncylc@unsw.edu.au
Web page www.lawstuff.org.au
- Provides an email advice service, LawMail, where people under 18 years of age can email their legal question.
- Undertakes systems advocacy to improve children's legal rights and promotes the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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 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
- North and North-West NSW (02) 6643 4426/1800 248 913
- Western NSW 1800 810 2333
- South West NSW 1800 672 185
- Sydney Area (Wirringa Baiya) (02) 9569 3847/1800 686 587
- Resource Centre (02) 9262 6722
See also the Tenants Union
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre
PO Box 212, 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
NRMA Member Legal Service
9 George Street, North Strathfield, 2000
Tel (02) 8741 6280 or 1800 427 426
Fax (02) 8741 6529
Hours Mon-Fri 8.30-5.00
- This free service to Members of NRMA Motoring and Services provides legal advice in relation to motor vehicle matters including traffic offences, traffic and parking infringement notices, licence cancellations, road rules, contracts for purchase of vehicles, motor vehicle accidents (property damage), motor vehicle repairs (terms and conditions, obligations of the contract of repair) and warranty questions on new and used cars (terms and conditions of warranty).
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Office of Fair Trading
Fair Trading Centres tel 13 32 20
Locations
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/corporate/contactus/fairtradingcentres.html
Head Office 1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta 2150
Head Office tel (02) 9895 0111, 1800 451 301
TTY (02) 9338 4943
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:
- 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Office of the Legal Services Commissioner
Level 15, Goodsell Building
8-12 Chifley Square
Sydney, 2000
Tel 1800 242 958 or (02) 9377 1800
TTY (02) 9377 1855
Email olsc@agd.nsw.gov.au
- Offers advice to people having problems with their legal practitioners by explaining rights, helping in evaluating options, referring you 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Older Persons Tenants' Service (OPTS) (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW Inc)
Level 3, 25 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Tel (02) 9281 9804 or Toll Free 1800 451 488
Fax (02) 9281 6875
TTY (02) 9281 3893
Web www.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 9.30-4.30
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Pittwater Legal Advice
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
Pittwater Road, Mona Vale
(near Mona Vale Library)
(part of Warringah Legal Referral Service)
Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month 10am-12 noon.
- The Centre provides legal advice and assistance to residents of the Pittwater area.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
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.
- Free advice on any legal or welfare matter to 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.
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
For people who face persecution in their own countries and seek asylum and protection in Australia.
Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00
Telephone advice Tues and Thur 10am - 12.30
Interview times Mon evenings by appointment.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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 10.00 to 12.00 and Thur 2.00-4.00
Outreach: Ulladulla 2nd Monday of the month 10.30am-3.30pm
- 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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
Drop in Tues 9.30-11.30 (they will take the first 6 people who arrive)
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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Strata Mediation Services, Office of Fair Trading
Level 6, 175 Castlereagh Street Sydney 2000
Tel 13 32 20
Fax (02) 9895 0222
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
PO Box 276, Collins Street West,
Melbourne Victoria, 8007
Tel 1800 062 058, (03) 8600 8700
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
University of Newcastle Legal Centre
300 King Street, Newcastle, 2300
Tel (02) 4921 8666
Fax (02) 4921 8866
Internet
www.newcastle.edu.au/school/law/unlc/unlcfreelegalservice.html
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Unlawful Termination Assistance Scheme (UTAS)
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Workchoices Infoline 1300 363 264
Information brochure
Application form
Internet
www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Programmes/WorkplaceAdvice/UnlawfulTerminationAssistanceSchemeUTAS.htm
- Provides financial assistance for legal advice to eligible people who believe they may have been unlawfully terminated from employment.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Warringah Legal Referral Service
30 Howard Avenue, Dee Why, 2099
Tel: (02) 9982 3044
Hours: Thurs 6-8pm
(See also Pittwater Legal Referral Service)
- The Centre provides legal referral and assistance to residents of the Manly Warringah and Pittwater local government areas.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
Western NSW Community Legal Centre Inc
51 Bultje Street, Dubbo 2830
Tel 1800 655 927
Fax (02) 6884 9397
Email western_nsw@fcl.fl.asn.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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
Interviews by appointment
- 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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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.
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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
[ LIAC Home | Advice Home | Organisation Index | Subject Index | Statewide services ]
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@fcl.fl.asn.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.
