Legal Services

1. Legal Aid ACT 

Call the Legal Aid Helpline:‌ 1300 654 314 

Call the Tenancy Advice Service:‌ 1300 402 512

Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS):‌ (02) 6243 3436

Family Violence & Personal Protection Unit:‌ (02) 6207 1874

What they do-

• Cyber Incidents
• Tenancy Advice Service ACT
• Afghanistan Evacuees
• Legal Aid Helpline
• Defence and Veterans Legal Services (DAVLS)
• Lawyers at court
• Applying for Legal Aid
• Information and Education
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Family Dispute Resolution
• Community Liaison Unit
• Migration Services
• Youth Law Centre
• Older Persons ACT Legal Service

2. Canberra Community Law

Call: (02) 6218 7900

level 5, 10 Rudd Street Canberra City

What they do-

• Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program
• Disability Discrimination Law
• Domestic Violence – Housing and Social Security Legal Help
• Housing Law
• Night Time Legal Advice Service
• Public Housing Duty Lawyer
• Social Security Law
• Socio-Legal Practice Clinic
• Street Law

 3. Women’s Legal Centre

Call: (02) 6257 4377

What they do-

• Family Law
• Care and Protection
• Employment Law
• Discrimination Law
• Migration Law
• Sexual Violence/ Harrassment
• Victims of Crime
• Mulleun Mura: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Access to Justice Program

 4. Care Consumer Law

Call: (02) 6143 0044

Ground floor, 19-23 Moore St Turner ACT 2612

What they do-

• Credit Law
• Australian Consumer Law- Consumer Protection
• Contracts, debt recovery and bankruptcy
• Financial Abuse
• Motor Accident injury
• ACAT Duty Service
• Friday Consumer Law Clinic
• Wednesday After Hours Legal Clinic

5. Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited

Call: 1800 765 767

24 offices located around NSW/ACT

What they do-

• Criminal Charges
• Bail
• Child Protection
• Family Law
• Housing and Renting
• Family Violence and Safety
• Fines
• Deaths in Custody
• Problems at Work
• Custody Notification Service
• Crisis Support

 6. Animal Defenders Office

Call: 0428 416 857

What they do-

• Animal Law

7. Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc. (for residents of Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Snowy Monaro & Queanbyean-Palerang)

Call: 1800 229 529

What they do-

• Credit and Debt
• Personal Safety
• Parenting Issues
• Employment Issues
• Centrelink Issues
• Family Law- Separation / Children’s Matters
• Domestic Violence
• Victims Compensation
• Tenancy and Neighbour Issues
• Consumer Issues
• Enduring Power of Attorney/Enduring Guardianship

8. Pro Bono Clearing House

Available for those who cannot afford to deal with a legal matter and it falls outside the scope of Legal Aid.

What is it?

Connects people/organisations in genuine need of pro bono legal help with law firms or Community Legal Centres for assistance. Recipients must meet the eligibility criteria. Not all eligible applications can be guaranteed assistance.

‘Pro bono’ means lawyers do not charge for their time; however, costs may be incurred for other expenses. Clients should always consult with the lawyer and their pro bono policy.

Individuals and not-for-profits within the ACT region can apply for pro bono assistance. Applicants must show they inability to afford legal services or their inability to be granted Legal Aid.

Applications can be submitted for the following legal issues-

• Administrative Law
• Bankruptcy
• Select Commercial Matters
• Select Civil Litigation Matters
• Copyright
• Construction and Building
• Contract Law
• Criminal Matters
• Credit and Debt
• Human Rights and Discrimination
• Employment
• Elder Abuse
• Environmental Planning and Local Government
• Tenancy
• Privacy
• Migration
• Property
• Wills, Probate and Estates
• Other matters of a Discretionary Basis

Application 

Eligibility Criteria 

1. Hear Me Out – Complaints

Find the correct body in NSW to make a complaint and access a list of legal assistance resources.

2. Know Your Rights – Law Society of NSW

Understand your legal rights and find the best way to resolve legal issues.

3. Community Legal Centres NSW

Find a community legal centre suited to your needs.

4. Community Legal Centres – National

Supports people experiencing financial hardship, family violence, discrimination, and

5. North West Community Legal Service – Armidale

6. Welfare Rights Centre NSW

Provides legal advice on Centrelink and social security matters in NSW. Advice is available via phone.

• Phone: (02) 9211 5300
• Email: sydney@welfarerights.org.au
• Website: Welfare Rights Centre
• Advice Intake Line:
  • Monday: 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30am – 12:30pm

7. Aboriginal Legal Service NSW

Provides free, culturally appropriate legal advice, representation, and social justice programs.

8. Youth Law Australia

Free, confidential legal help for young people under 25, available online 24/7.

9. Women’s Legal Service NSW

Provides free legal advice, education, and resources for women across NSW.

General Women’s Legal Advice Lines:

• Sydney: (02) 9749 5533
• Rural Free Call: 1800 801 501
• TTY for deaf and hearing impaired women: 1800 674 333
• Operating hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm

10. Indigenous Women’s Legal Contact Line:

• Phone: 1800 639 784
• Operating hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm

11. Domestic Violence Advice Legal Line:

• Sydney: (02) 8745 6999
• Rural Free Call: 1800 810 784
• TTY Line: 1800 626 267
• Operating hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Women needing an interpreter can call the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450 and ask to be connected to (02) 9749 7700.

12. Inner City Legal Centre (Sydney)

Statewide legal advice for the LGBTQI+ community, including:

• Same-sex parenting, surrogacy, de facto relationships
• Discrimination, violence, domestic violence
• Employment and neighbourhood disputes

13. Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service

Legal assistance for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This service operates once a fortnight.

14. Family Relationships Advice Line

A national service providing information on family relationships and separation issues.

• Who can call? Parents, grandparents, children, family members, or professionals supporting families.
• What support is offered?
  • Advice on parenting arrangements and family law
  • Guidance on resolving disputes
  • Referrals to local services

15. Redfern Legal Service

Free legal advice for international students in NSW on issues such as housing, employment, visas, and more.

16. Kingsford Legal Centre

Statewide legal service specialising in discrimination and sexual harassment law.

17. LawAccess NSW

A free telephone service providing legal information, referrals, and advice.

• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
• Services include:
  • Legal aid policies and applications
  • Help with legal problems
  • Referrals to other legal services

1. Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU)

Call: 1800 088 884

What they do-

• Family Violence
• Community Legal Education
• Victims of Crime Compensation
• Crisis Intervention
• Referrals

2. Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS)

Call: 1800 684 055

Alice Springs- Westpoint Building, 1 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs

Tennant Creek- 85 Paterson Street, Tennant Creek

What they do-

• Family & Domestic Violence
• Housing & Tenancy
• Credit & Debt
• Financial Counselling
• Victims of Crime
• Motor Vehicle Injury Compensation
• Migration Law
• Family Law- Property & Children
• Child Protection
• Employment
• Discrimination
• Criminal Law
• Outreach Services

3. Darwin Community Legal Service

Call: (08) 8982 1111 or 1800 812 953 (free call)

Level 2 -75 Wood St, Darwin

What they do-

• Centrelink Issues
• Complaints Processes
• Employment
• Discrimination
• Credit & Debt
• Consumer Issues
• Adult Guardianship
• Referrals and Accessing other Services
• Tenant’s Advice
• Seniors’ Rights Service
• Disability Rights Service
• Financial Counselling
• After-Hours Legal Advice Sessions
• Veterans Legal Service

4.  Katherine Women’s Legal Service (KWILS)

Level 1, 16 Katherine Terrace, Katherine

Call: 1800 620 108 (free call)

What they do-

• Domes­tic and Fam­i­ly Violence
• Child Pro­tec­tion
• Fam­i­ly Law
• Employ­ment Law, includ­ing sex­u­al harassment
• Dis­crim­i­na­tion Complaints
• Ten­an­cy and Social Security
• Coro­nial Inquests
• Vic­tims of Crime Assistance
• Cred­it, Debt, and Con­sumer Law
• Com­plaints about Police and oth­er gov­ern­ment bodies

5. North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS)

Darwin- 32 Dripstone Road, Casuarina Darwin 1800 041 998

Katherine- L1Randazzo Ctr, 16 Katherine Terrace, Katherine 1800 184 868

Nhulunbuy- 7/30 Arnhem Road, Rirratjingu (Aboriginal Corporation Business Centre, Nhulunbuy) 1800 041 998

What they do-

• Family Law
• Domestic Violence
• Care & Protection of Children
• Victims of Crime Compensation
• Housing
• Court Support

6. Top End Women’s Legal Service (TEWLS)

Ground Floor, 17 Lindsay Street, Darwin

Call: (08) 8982 3000 or 1800 234 441 (free call)

What they do-

• Family Law
• Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence
• Migration Law
• Compensation
• Employment Law & Workplace Sexual Harassment
• Complaints & Discrimination
• Housing & Tenancy
• Credit, Debt & Consumer Law
• Deceased Estates & Superannuation

7. Domestic Violence Legal Service (DVLS)

Call: (08) 8999 7977 or 1800 019 343 (free call)

What they do-

• Domestic Violence
• Family Violence

8. North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency

• Darwin: 1800 898 251 (free call)
• Throughcare: 1800 321 201 (free call)
• Katherine: 1800 897 728 (free call)
• Tennant Creek/Alice Springs: 1800 636 079 (free call)

What they do-

• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Child Protection Matters
• Compensation Claims
• Adult Guardianship
• Statutory Compensation
• Consumer Matters
• Health Care Complaints
• Discrimination and Human Rights
• Coronial Inquests
• Employment Law
• Appealing Debts
• Decisions about Living Arrangements (Marriage, Care of Children)
• Family Tax Benefits
• Income Management Exemptions
• Basics Card Issues
• Terminations
• Repairs
• Priority Housing Applications

9. Legal Aid Northern Territory

Call: 1800 019 343

What they do-

• Criminal Law
• Civil Law
• Family Law
• Family Dispute Resolution

10. Everyday Justice- A Mills Oakley Philanthropic Initiative

Call: 1800 161 196

What they do-

• Employment and Workplace Matters
• Tenancy, Housing and Eviction Issues
• Credit and Debt
• Financial Abuse
• Fines and Infringements
• Human Rights Matters
• Climate Change Law Matters
• Victims of Crime

1. Aboriginal Family Legal Services Qld (Maruma-li-mari) Indigenous Corporation

• Suite 9 Level 3, 158 Margaret Street, Toowoomba – (07) 4614 7116
• Shop 7/11 Mary Street, Gympie- (07) 5356 9261
• 74-76 Lamb Street, Murgon-  (07) 4179 0110
• 36 McDowell Street, Roma (Satellite Office)- 0491 617 634 or 0499 617 634

What they do-

• Family Law
• Family Court Applications/ Responses
• Negotiating Parenting Arrangements
• Recovering Orders
• Family Dispute Resolution – Legal assistance
• Breaches of Orders
• Consent Orders
• Property Settlement
• Divorce Matters
• General Advice (Such as s 60i certificates
• Child Protection
• Domestic Violence Matters
• Counselling

2. ADA Law (Aged and Disability Advocates)

Call: 1800 232 529

What they do-

• Human Rights Advocacy and Legal
• Elder Abuse Advocacy
• Mental Health Reviews Tribunal Advocacy
• Outback QLD Seniors Legal and Support
• Mental Health Legal Support

3. Basic Rights Qld

Call: 1800 358 511 (free call)

What they do-

• Centrelink Support
• Disability Discrimination
• Woman’s Employment Matters
• Mental Health

4. Bayside Community Legal Service

1st Floor, Wynnum Community Centre, 105 Florence St, Wynnum

Call: (07) 3162 3282

What they do-

• Family Law
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Divorce/ Seperation
• Parenting Matters
• Property Settlements
• Child Safety
• Debts
• Property Damage
• Consumer Complaints
• Bailment
• Tenancy
• Criminal Matters
• Domestic Violence Order Breaches
• Traffic Offences

5. Brisbane North Community Legal Service

14 Station Street, Nundah

Call: (07) 3260 6820

What they do-

• Family law
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Criminal law
• Minor Traffic
• Minor civil & debt matters
• Consumer law
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Wills, estates, and powers of attorney (advice only – no drafting)
• Tenancy matters (although please refer to QSTARS first)

6. Cairns Community Legal Centre Inc

2nd Floor, Main Street Arcade, 82 Grafton Street, Cairns

Call: 1800 062 608 or (07) 4031 7688

What they do-

• Employment Law
• Criminal Law
• Motor Vehicle Damage
• Traffic Matters
• Discrimination & Human Rights Matters
• Mental Health
• Consumer Law Issues
• Elder Abuse
• Family Law

7. Caxton Legal Centre Inc

Level 23, 179 Turbot Street, Brisbane

• General- (07) 3214 6333
• Senior Services- (07) 3187 7187 or 1800 954 494

What they do-

• Human Rights
• Seniors Legal
• Family Law
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Employment Law
• Consumer Credit Law
• Disaster Recovery and Preparedness Service
• Multicultural Advocacy and Legal
• Coronial Legal Service
• Social Work
• Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
• Financial Protections

8. Central Queensland Community Legal Centre

Suite 28,119 Cammoweal Street, Mount Isa

Community Resource Centre, 102 Rainbow Street, Biloela

Yeppoon Court House, Yeppoon

240 Quay St, Rockhampton Qld 4700

Mindcare Centre, 147 Goondoon Street, Gladstone

Call: 1800 155 121

What they do-

• family law
• domestic and family violence
• peace and good behaviour orders
• employment law
• discrimination
• guardianship, administration and other mental health legal matters
• motor vehicle damage
• traffic matters
• criminal law
• consumer product disputes
• consumer service disputes
• consumer debt matters
• QCAT matters
• Second-hand car or other dealers
• Domestic and Family violence duty lawyer
• Elder abuse and prevention support

9. First Nations Women’s Legal Services Queensland

Level 3, 42 Sturt Street, Townsville

Call: (07) 4724 5112 or 1800 082 600 (free call)

What they do-

• Child Protection
• Family Law
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Separation
• Child Support
• Victims Assistance
• Discrimination

10. Gold Coast Community Legal Centre

34 Railway Street, Southport (Put 36 Railway St in the GPS)

Call: (07) 5532 9611

What they do-

• Family Law
• Domestic Violence
• Consumer Disputes
• Minor Criminal Matters
• Traffic matters
• Minor debts
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Employment Law
• Tenancy and Body Corporate Matters
• Centrelink Disputes and Welfare Rights Issues
• Duty Lawyer
• Elder Abuse Prevention
• Mental Health Review Tribunal
• Social Work Services
• Workplace Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

11. HUB Community Legal

Inala Community Centre, 79 Poinsettia Street, Inala

Call: (07) 3372 7677

What they do-

• Family law
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Child Protection & Child Safety Proceedings
• Deceased Estates
• Power of Attorney Documents
• Guardianship
• Mental Health Proceedings
• Youth Criminal and Other Legal Matters
• Consumer Law
• Credit and Debt
• Traffic offences and Fines
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Neighbourhood Disputes
• Employment Law
• Criminal Law
• Human Rights Law

12. Institute of Urban Indigenous Health

22 Coz Road, Windsor

Call: (07) 3828 3600

What they do-

• Family Law
• Child Support
• Child Protection
• Domestic Violence
• Discrimination and Harassment
• Centrelink reviews
• SPER Actions and Debt Recovery
• Elder Abuse
• Tenancy and Housing issues.

1. Legal Services Commission South Australia (Legal Aid SA)

Call: 1300 366 424

What they do-

• Court assistance (duty lawyer)
• Migration
• NDIS Appeals
• Mental Health Orders
• Guardianship Orders
• Criminal Offences
• Family Law
• Domestic Violence
• Child Protection and Adoption

2. Northern Community Legal Service (Northern Zone)

60-62 John Street, Salisbury

Call: (08) 8281 6911

What they do-

• Contracts
• Debt issues
• Tenancy
• Employment
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Neighbour Disputes
• Power of Attorneys & Advanced
• Care Directives
• Migration Law
• Traffic matters
• Theft
• Assault
• Minor drug offences
• Property Damage
• Property Settlement
• Children
• Separation
• Divorce
• Child Support
• Domestic Violence matters
• IVO (Intervention Orders)

4. Westside Community Lawyers (Western, Mid North & Outback zone)

171 Commercial Road, PORT ADELAIDE

Flinders Arcade, 72 Ellen Street, Port Pirie

Call: (08) 8340 9009

What they do-

• Divorce and separation
• Children’s issues and parental rights and responsibilities
• Care and protection of children
• Property matters after separation
• Domestic violence issues
• Traffic Offences
• Advice on criminal charges
• Pleas in mitigation
• Intervention Orders
• Court Representation
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Elder Abuse
• Consumer Law Issues
• Negligence
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Unfair dismissal
• Advise on Guardianship
• Contest wills / estates
• Equal and Human Rights

5. Uniting Communities (CBD/Inner/Eastern & Hills zone)

43 Franklin Street, Adelaide

Call: 1800 615 677

What they do-

• family law (working out arrangements after separation or divorce)
• minor criminal offences
• traffic offences
• consumer complaints
• tenancy
• debt
• disputes with neighbours
• employment
• family violence
• civil law.

6. Community Justice Centre (Southern, South-East & Riverland zone)

Call: 1300 850 650

What they do-

• Children’s Issues
• Separation
• Property Settlements, both marital and de facto
• Child Support
• Contravention and Enforcement of Orders
• De facto Relationships and Domestic Partners Matters, including same sex couples
• Domestic Violence matters
• Location and Recovery Orders
• Assault
• Theft
• Fraud
• Harassment
• Property Damage
• Drink Driving
• Traffic Matters
• Minor Drug Offences
• Debt related matters
• Neighbourhood Issues
• Bank Foreclosure on Mortgages
• Consumer Complaints
• Contract Law
• Employment Issues
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Small Claims
• Tenancy

7. Community Legal Centres (SA)

1. Tasmania Legal Aid

Call: 1300 366 611

What they do-

• Criminal Law
• Civil Law
• Family Law

2. Hobart Community Legal Service Inc.

• Hobart– 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart (03) 6223 2500
• Bridgewater– Cove Hill Shopping Centre, Bridgewater (03) 6263 4755

What they do-

• Centrelink
• Child Support
• Family Law
• Consumer Law Issues
• Criminal Law
• Employment
• Family Violence / Restraint Orders

3. Launceston Community Legal Centre

Suite 2, Level 2 42-48 St John Street, LAUNCESTON

Call: 1800 066 019

What they do-

• Restraint Orders
• Consumer Affairs
• Wills and Estates (LCLC solicitors do not draft wills or provide advice for completing Will Kits)
• Boundary Fences
• Traffic Infringement notice and fines
• Bankruptcy
• Small claims
• Welfare Rights
• Disability Discrimination
• Employment Law
• Family Law

4. North West Community Legal Centre

56 Formby Road, Devonport

Call: (03) 6424 8720

What they do-

• General Family Law
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Government Department Issues
• Criminal Matters
• Neighbour Disputes
• Credit & debt Issues
• Tenancy Matters

5. Women’s Legal Service

Call: 1800 682 468

What they do-

• All legal matters

1. Victoria Legal Aid

Call: 1300 792 387

What they do-

• Civil justice
• Criminal law
• Chambers Advocacy
• Family law
• Mental health advocacy

2. Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre

171 Hargreaves St, Bendigo

Call: (03) 5445 0909

What they do-

• Family law (parenting arrangements, property settlement, separation and divorce)
• Family violence
• Child protection
• Fines and infringements
• Debt problems
• Consumer complaints
• Complaints about government services (including Centrelink)
• Minor criminal matters

3. Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centre

Suite 1/1 High St, Shepparton

Call: (03) 5831 0900

What they do-

• Family Violence
• Child Protection
• Family Law (parenting arrangements, property, separation and divorce)
• Credit and debt
• Consumer complaints
• Minor criminal matters

4. Housing Justice

171 Hargreaves St, Bendigo

Call: (03) 5445 0990

What they do-

• Tenancy

5. Women’s Legal Service Victoria

Call: 03 8622 0600

What they do-

• Family Violence
• Separation
• Child Protection
• Migration Law
• Sexual Assault Support
• Duty Lawyer

1. Community Legal WA

2. Legal Aid WA

Call: 1300 650 579

3. Legal Yarn (Staffed by mob for mob)

Call: 1800 319 803

What they do-

• Criminal matters
• Traffic offences
• Family Law
  • Seperation and divorce
  • Child support
  • Recovery orders
  • Parenting plans/orders
  • Child protection and care applications
  • Dispute resolution
• Family Violence and restraining orders
• Consumer law and debts
• Insurance claims
• Mortgage stress
• Motor Vehicle property damage
• Victims of Crime Compensation
• Unpaid court fines/infringements
• Work & Development permits
• Elder Abuse
• Powers of Attorney/ Guardianship
• Extraordinary Driver’s licence and disqualifications
• Administration Review Tribunal appeals (Some circumstances)
• Representation in Federal or Federal Circuit Courts 

4. Great Southern Community Legal Services

4/15 Peels Place, Albany

Call: (08) 9842 8566

What they do-

• Disability advocacy
• Child Protection
• Civil Disputes
• Credit and Debt Problems
• Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Court Processes
• Estates Matters
• Family Law
• Family Violence
• Restraining Orders
• Tenancy Issues

5. Fremantle Community Legal Centre

Fremantle Malls, Level 1, Suite 31/35 William Street, Fremantle

Call: (08) 9432 9790

What they do-

• Family Law
• Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Criminal Law
• Centrelink
• Tenancy
• Restraining Orders
• Child Protection
• Limited Civil Matters

6. Midland Debt, Information and Advocacy Service (MIDLAS)

12 Old Great Northern Highway, Midland

Call:(08) 9250 2123

What they do-

• Elder Abuse Prevention
• Family Law
• Family Violence
• Criminal Injury Compensation (related to FV)

7. Aboriginal Family Legal Services

Call: 1800 469 246

What they do-

• Family Law
• Child Protection
• Criminal Injury
• Family VRO
• Redress Support
• Social Support

1. Youth Law Australia

Call: 1800 950 570

Get help- Get help now | Youth Law Australia (yla.org.au)

What they do-

• Free advice, information and referrals for all topics for Australians under 25

2. Environmental Defenders Office (up to 15min appts)

Contact- Apply for free legal advice – Environmental Defenders Office (edo.org.au)

What they do-

• Environmental Law
• Public Interest Planning

 3. Knowmore

Call: 1800 605 762

For victim survivors of childhood abuse and the Stolen Generations

What they do-

• Legal advice and assistance for
  • Redress or compensation
  • Civil claims
  • Victim support schemes