Australian Civil Liberties Union

Your Rights 2005

Chapter 1

WHERE TO GET HELP

 

Victoria

In country areas consult a Clerk of Courts, Social Worker, MP or ring an organisation in Melbourne (prefix 03), reversing charges if necessary.

Personal Emergencies. Lifeline. 131114 (24 hour service), AIDS Hotline, 93476099, Salvation Army, 96504851, Community Information Vic for CABS, 1300366356. The Police, 11444 or 92476666. Emergency for police, ambulance, fire brigade, phone 000. Drug Addiction, 94161818. Road Service, RACV members, 131111, State Ombudsman, 96136222, Federal Ombudsman, 96547355.
Legal Aid and Advice.Victorian Legal Aid. Legal Aid, 350 Queen St., Melbourne, 92690234, Preston, 94788844, Geelong, 52292211, Sunshine, 93118611, Frankston, 97845222, Dandenong, 97915522,Morwell, 51348055, Ringwood, 98795500. Free legal advice in all cases without a means test. Legal assistance for court proceedings. Assistance is subject to a means test. Duty solicitors attend some Magistrate’s Courts and Children’s Courts. Free Local Legal Services, phone 96542204. Law Institute, 470 Bourke St., 96079311, Legal Advice Section, 96025000.

1. Where to Get Help. Emergency Services. Police. Legal Services.

2. You and Your Neighbour. Contact a Legal Aid Service. Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your solicitor or local Mediation Centre, 235 Queen St., 96038370, 1800658528.

3. Consumer Rights. Office of Fair Trading, 452 Flinders St., 96276000, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, 55 King St., 96289830. Decides disputes about goods or services.

4. Debts Credit and Bankruptcy. Contact Legal Aid for location of nearest financial counsellor. Bankruptcy, 92724800.

5. Family Law. Family Court, 305 William St., 86003777. Children’s Rights, 94583566. Single Mother’s Council, 96540622. Human Services, 96167777.

6. Births Deaths Marriages and Change of Name. Contact the V.L.A. or the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages, 589 Collins St., 1300369367.

7. Buying a Home. Consult solicitor or bank manager or legal aid service.

Chapters 8, 9, Police Powers and Freedom of Speech etc. Civil Liberties Union, 122 Canning St., Carlton, 93478671, Human Rights Commission, 1300369711. Liberty Victoria 96706422.

10. Tenant’s Rights. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, 55 King St., Melbourne, 96289800. Deals with disputes over bonds, excessive rents, repairs and evictions. Tenant’s Union, 55 Johnston St., Fitzroy, 94162577.

11.Wills and Estates. State Trustees, 168 Exhibition St., 96676444. General advice available on probate and making wills, etc.

12. Compensation and Pension Payments. Centrelink, 132850 or 132300. Pension queries. Human Services, Victoria, 96167777. State benefits. Victims of Crime Tribunal, 96287855. Workcover, 222 Exhibition St., 96411444. Transport Accident Commission, 222 Exhibition St., 1300654329. Compensation for motor accident victims.

13. Protection Against Crime. Victims Support Agency, 136 Exhibition St., 96039797. Court Information Network, 96037433. Victims of Crime Tribunal, 96287855. Victims of Crime Helpline, 1300659419.

14. Rights of Travellers. Foreign Affairs, 2 Lonsdale St., 92215555.


15.Advice for Taxpayers. Tax Office, 2 Lonsdale St., 132861. Taxpayers Aust. 98197944.

16. Rights of Investors. Corporate Affairs. Legal Aid, Financial Advisors.

17. The Motorist and the Law. Legal Aid, RACV, 97902211.

18. Rights of Mental Health Consumers. 92690234, 96039500, 96294422 – see also Chapter 18.

19. Rights of Senior Citizens. Centrelink, 132300. Seniors Card, 96168241. Reverse Mortgages, 1800020110. Superannuation, 1800812798.

20. Big Brother and Freedom of Speech. ACLU Box 1137 Carlton, Tel: 93478671, Fax: 93478617. Human Rights Commission 1300369711, Press Council, 149 Castlereagh St., Sydney 1800025712. Federal Privacy Hotline 1300363992. Privacy Victoria 1300666444.

Advice for Migrants. Emergency Interpreter Service, 131450 (24 hour service) Federal Immigration Dept., 131881.

Government Complaints. Federal. The Ombudsman, 2 Lonsdale St., 96547355. State. The Ombudsman, 459 Collins St., 96136222. Information Victoria, 356 Collins St., 1300366356.

 

New South Wales

In Country areas consult a Clerk of Courts, SocialWorker, Councillor, Policeman, JP or MP or ring an organisation in Sydney, prefix (02), reversing charges if necessary.

Personal Emergencies. Lifeline Sydney, 131114 (24 hour service) AIDS Hotline, 1800063060, Salvation Army, 92723055. St Vincent de Paul, 95608666, Citizens Advice Bureau, 92113644, State Ombudsman, 92861000, Federal Ombudsman, 92183000, Drug Addiction, 93618000. Road Service, NRMA Members, 131111, The Police, 92810000. In emergencies, dial 000 for police, ambulance. Alcohol and Drug Addiction, 95718374. Information NSW, 92380950.

Legal Aid and Advice. Legal Aid Commission. 323 Castlereagh St., Sydney, 92195000. Phone 92195000 for location of Legal Offices in Sydney suburbs and country areas. Free legal advice in all cases without a means test. Legal assistance for court proceedings. Assistance is subject to a means test. Duty solicitors attend some Magistrates Courts and Childrens’ Courts. Free Local Legal Services. To ascertain the service nearest to you contact the Law Society of NSW, 170 Phillip St., 99260333.

1. Where to Get Help. Emergency Services. Legal Aid Organisations.

2. You and Your Neighbour. Contact a Legal Aid Service. Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your Solicitor, your town clerk or local police. Community Justice Centre, 323 Castlereagh St., 92683133.

3. Rights of Consumers. Dept of Fair Trading, 1 Fitzwilliam St., Paramatta, 98950111 or 133220. Investigates complaints by consumers. Consumer Claims Tribunal, 175 Castlereagh St., 1300135399. Decides disputes about goods or services.

4. Debts Credit and Bankruptcy. Contact L.A.C. for location of nearest financial counsellor. Bankruptcy, 82337800.

5. Family Law. Family Court, 97 Goulbourn St., 92177111, 9893555. Children’s Rights, 92867276, Single Parents, 1300300496.

6. Births Deaths Marriages and Names. Contact the A.L.A.O or the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages, 15 Thomas St., Haymarket, 1300655236.

7. Buying a Home. Consult Legal Aid services, solicitors, bank managers etc.

Chapters 8, 9. Police Powers and Freedom of Speech etc. Council for Civil Liberties, 149 St. John’s Rd., Glebe, 96607582. Human Rights Commission, 133 Castlereagh St., 92849600.

10. Tenant’s Rights. Residential Tribunal, 175 Castlereagh St., 96416400, 1300135399. Tenants’ Union, 68 Bettington St.,Millers Point, 92473813.Tenants’ complaints.

11.Wills and Estates. The PublicTrustee, 19 O’Connell St., 92520523.General advice available on probate and making wills etc.

12. Compensation and Pension Payments. Centrelink, 132850 or 132300. Federal pensions. Human Services, 97162222, State Pensions, Work Cover Authority, 92 Donnison St., 43215000. Crimes Compensation Tribunal, 93743111, Motor Accident Authority, 132213.

13. Protection Against Crime. Victims of Crime, 4 Campbell St., 92171000. Also Legal Aid Commission. Victims of Crime Bureau, 299 Elizabeth St., 1800633063 or 93743000 or 1800069054.

14. Rights of Travellers. Foreign Affairs, 100William St., 93566225.

15. Advice for Taxpayers. Tax Office, 10 Market St., 132861. Taxpayers’ Aust., 1300657572.

16. Rights of Investors. Corporate Affairs. Legal Aid, Financial Advisors.

17. The Motorist and the Law. Legal Aid, IAG, NRMA, 87416000.

18. Rights of Mental Health Consumers. 97454277, 93919000, 96208218 – see also Chapter 18.

19. Rights of Senior Citizens. Centrelink, 132300. Seniors Card, 1300364758. Reverse Mortgages, 1800020110. Superannuation, 1800812798.

20. Big Brother and Freedom of Speech. ACLU Box 1137 Carlton, Tel: 93478671, Fax: 93478617. Human Rights Commission 1300369711, Press Council, 149 Castlereagh St., Sydney 1800025712. Federal Privacy Hotline 1300363992. NSW Privacy 92685588

Migrants’ Advice. Emergency Interpreter Service, 131450 (24 hour service), Immigration Dept., 131881.

 

Queensland

In country areas consult a JP, Policeman, Clerk of Courts,MP, SocialWorker or Councillor or ring an organisation in Brisbane (07), reversing charges if necessary.

Personal Emergencies. Lifeline, Brisbane 131114, Citizens Advice Bureau, 34035648. AIDS Advice, 32245526, Alcohol and Drug Addiction, 32362414, Salvation Army, 32226699, St Vincent de Paul, 38771800, State Ombudsman, 32295116, Federal Ombudsman, 30057000, Road Service, 131111, Police, 33646464.

Legal Aid. Legal Aid Office, 44 Hershel St., Brisbane 32383444. Assistance in court proceedings subject to a means test. Contributions often required. For Legal Aid Offices outside Brisbane, 1300651188. Law Society, 38425888.

1. Where to Get Help. Emergency Services. Police. Legal Aid Organisations.

2. You and Your Neighbour. Consult a Legal Aid Service, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your solicitor, your town clerk or local police. Dispute Resolution, 32396269.

3. Rights of Consumers. Consumer Affairs, 50 Ann St., 32461500. Complaints about buying, selling and servicing of goods.

4. Debts Credit and Bankruptcy. Contact L.A.C. for location of nearest financial counsellor. Bankruptcy 33605444.

5. Family Law. Family Court, Cnr Tank St. and North Quay 32482200. Handles applications for divorce. For general advice contact Legal Aid Commission. Childrens Rights 38578866 or 33602555.

6. Births Deaths Marriages and Names. Contact the Legal Aid Commission or the Registrar of Births, Deaths Marriages, 32479203.

7.Buying a Home. Dept.Of Housing, 111 George St., 32277111.Advice on H.C.Homes. Also consult Legal Aid services, solicitors, etc.

Chapters 8, 9. Police Powers and Freedom of Speech etc. Council for Civil Liberties,GPO Box 2281, Brisbane 32340260. Investigates cases of arbitrary government action, campaigns for law reform.

10. Tenant’s Rights. Residential Tenancy Authority, 1300366311. Legal Aid Commission, 32383444. Tenants’ Union, 28 Robertson St., Fortitude Valley, 32571108.

11.Wills and Estates. The Public Trustee, 444 Queen St., 32139288. General advice available on probate and making wills, etc.

12. Compensation and Pension Payments. Centrelink, 132850 or 132300. Federal Pensions Human Services, 32340111. State Pensions. Work Cover, 1300362128. Criminal Injuries Compensation, 32772800. Motor Accident Insurance Commission, 288 Edward St, 32278088.

13. Protection Against Crime. Relationships Australia, 1300139703. Legal Aid. Police.

14. Rights of Travellers. Foreign Affairs, 295 Anne St., 34054799.

15.Advice for Taxpayers. 140 Creek St., 132861.Taxpayers’ Aust., 1300657572.

16. Rights of Investors. Corporate Affairs. Legal Aid. Financial Advisors.

17. The Motorist and the Law. Legal Aid RACQ, 33612444.

18. Rights of Mental Health Consumers. 32340163, 323400160 – see also Chapter 18.

19. Rights of Senior Citizens. Centrelink, 132300. Seniors Card, 1800175500. Reverse

Mortgages, 1800020110. Superannuation, 1800812798.

20. Big Brother and Freedom of Speech. ACLU Box 1137 Carlton, Tel: 93478671, Fax: 93478617. Human Rights Commission 1300369711, Press Council, 149 Castlereagh St., Sydney 1800025712. Privacy Hotline 1300363992.

Migrants’ Advice. Immigration Department, 131881. Interpreter Service. 131450.

 

South Australia

In country areas consult a Clerk of Courts, SocialWorker, Councillor, Policeman, JP or MP, or ring an organisation in Adelaide prefix (08).

Personal Emergencies. Lifeline, 131114, The Police, call 82075000 (emergency 000). Alcohol and Drug Addiction, 83638618, CitizensAdvice Bureau 82124070.AIDSAdvice, 82376111. Ombudsman, 82268699. Federal Ombudsman, 82268616. SA Health Commission, 82266000. St Vincent de Paul, 82312688. Road Service, 131111. Government Services SA, 82041906.

Legal Aid. Legal Services Commission, 82 Wakefield St., Adelaide, 84633555. Elizabeth, 82079292. Noarlunga, 82073877. Legal advice in all cases without a means test. Duty Solicitors attend most Magistrates’ Courts to assist with bail, guilty pleas and adjournments. Aboriginal Legal Service, 321 KingWilliam St., Adelaide, 81133777. Law Society, 82290222.

1. Where to Get Help. Emergency Services. Police. Legal Aid. Organisations.

2. You and Your Neighbour. Contact a Legal Aid Service, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your solicitor, your town clerk or local police. Dispute Resolution, 83469394.

3. Rights of Consumers. Consumer Affairs, 91 Grenfell St., 82049777. Investigates complaints about the buying, selling or servicing of all types of goods. Also handles landlord and tenant disputes.

4. Debts Credit and Bankruptcy. Legal Aid, 84633555. Bankruptcy 81124300.

5. Family Law. Family Court 25 Grenfell St., Adelaide, 82052666. Childrens’ Rights, 82267000.

6. Births Deaths Marriages and Names. Contact the Legal Aid Commission or the Registrar of Births Deaths Marriages, 91 Grenfell St., 82049599.

7. Buying a Home. Consult Housing Trust. Building Societies, Bank Manager or Solicitor.

Chapters 8, 9. Police Powers and Freedom of Speech etc. Human Rights Commission, 1300369711. Investigates arbitrary action by government, gives general advice on citizens’ rights. Censorship’ ACLU, Box 1137, Carlton,Melb,Vic., 3053. Civil Liberties, Box 87,Modbury North, 84100211.

10. Tenant’s Rights. Residential Tenancy Tribunal, 82266712. Shelter, Adelaide, 82216488. Consumer Affairs, 82049777. Handles tenants’ complaints.

11. Wills and Estates. The Public Trustee’ 25 Franklin St., 82269200. General advice on probate and making wills.

12. Compensation and Pension Payments. Centrelink, 132850 or 132300. Federal Pensions. Human Services, 11 Hindmarsh Square 82268800. Workers’ Compensation, 131855. Crimes Compensation, 82042444, State Government Insurance Commissioner, Motor Accident Compensation, 211 Victoria Square, 1800182121.

13. Protection Against Crime. Victims Support Services, 11 Hallifax, 82315626. Also Local Police Station and Attorney-Generals Dept.

14. Rights of Travellers. Foreign Affairs, 55 Currie St., 84034899.

15.Advice for Taxpayers. Tax Office, 91Waymouth St., 132861.Taxpayers Aust. 1300657572.

16. Rights of Investors. Corporate Affairs. Legal Aid. Financial Advisors.

17. The Motorist and the Law. Legal Aid. RAASA, 82024500.

18. Rights of Mental Health Consumers. 82215166, 82697515, 84633555 – see also Chapter 18.

19. Rights of Senior Citizens. Centrelink, 132300. Seniors Card, 1800819961. Reverse Mortgages, 1800020110. Superannuation, 1800812798.

20. Big Brother and Freedom of Speech. ACLU Box 1137 Carlton, Tel: 93478671, Fax: 93478617. Human Rights Commission 1300369711, Press Council, 149 Castlereagh St., Sydney 1800025712. Privacy Hotline 1300363992.

Migrants’ Advice. Interpreter Service. 131450. Immigration Dept, 55 Currie St, 131881. General advice on migrants’ rights. 

 

Western Australia

In country areas consult a Clerk of Courts, SocialWorker, Councillor, Policeman, JP or MP, or ring an organisation in Perth prefix (08).

Where to Get Help. Personal Emergencies. The Samaritans, 60 Bagot Street, Subiaco, 131114 (24 hour service) Emergency Help. 93222499. AIDS Advice, 94299900. Salvation Army, 92277010. Citizens Advice Bureau, 92215711. Police, 92221111. Emergency for police, fire brigade, ambulance, dial 000. State Ombudsman, 92207555. Federal Ombudsman, 92207541. Migrants, 92612222. Alcohol and DrugAddiction, 94425000. Road Service, 131111.StVincent de Paul, 93253472.

Legal Aid. Legal Aid Commission, 55 St George’s Terrace, Perth, 92616222. Fremantle 93357108. Midland 92743327. Legal advice in all cases without a means test ($2 nominal fee). Legal assistance for court proceedings etc., is subject to a means test and contributions may be required. Duty lawyers attend most Courts of Petty Sessions and the Children’s Court to assist with bail, adjournments and guilty pleas. Aid is not available for probate or conveyancing. Law Society, 92213222.

1. Where to Get Help. Emergency Services. Police. Legal Aid. Organisations.

2. You and Your Neighbour. Contact a Legal Aid Service, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your solicitor, your town clerk or local police. Noise 92657000. Dispute Resolution, 94901411.

3. Consumers Rights. Ministry of Fair Trading, 251 Hay St., E. Perth, 92820777, 1300304054. Investigates complaints about the buying, selling or servicing of all types of goods.

4. Debts Credit and Bankruptcy. Contact L.A.C. For location of nearest controller. Bankruptcy 92681222.

5. Family Law. Family Court, 150 Terrace Rd., 92248222. Legal Aid 92616222. Family and Children Services, 189 Royal St., East Perth, 92222555.

6. Births Deaths Marriages and Names. Contact the Legal Services Commission or the Registrar of Births Deaths Marriages, 141 George’s Tce., 92641555.

7. Buying a Home. Consult Housing Commission, Bank Manager or Solicitor. Homeswest, 92224666.

Chapters 8, 9. Police Powers and Freedom of Speech etc. Council for Civil Liberties, Box T1816, Perth 93841196. Investigates arbitrary action by government, advice on citizens’ rights, campaigns for law reform.ACLU, Box 1137, Carlton, Melb,Vic., 3053.

10. Tenant’s Rights. Tenant’s Advice Service, 92219499. Handles queries by tenants. General advice LAC.

11.Wills and Estates. Public Trustee, 565 Hay St., 92226777. General advice on probate and making wills etc.

12. Compensation and Pension Payments. Centrelink, 132850 or 132300.Workcover 93885555. Health Services, 92224222. Criminal Injuries Compensation, 94252850. StateGovernment Insurance Commission, 221 St George’s Tce., 92642222.

13. ProtectionAgainst Crime. Attorney-Generals Department, Legal Aid Commission. Local Police Station. Victims of Crime Unit, 93560555.

14. Rights of Travellers. Foreign Affairs, 2 The Esplanade, 92314499.

15.Advice for Taxpayers. Tax Office, 132861. Taxpayers Aust. 1300657572.

16. Rights of Investors. Corporate Affairs. Legal Aid, Financial Advisors.

17. The Motorist and the Law. Legal Aid. RACWA, 94214444.

18. Rights of Mental Health Consumers. 92263255, 92648388, 92616222 – see also Chapter 18.

19. Rights of Senior Citizens. Centrelink, 132300. Seniors Card, 92201111. Reverse Mortgages, 1800020110. Superannuation, 1800812798.

20. Big Brother and Freedom of Speech. ACLU Box 1137 Carlton, Tel: 93478671, Fax: 93478617. Human Rights Commission 1300369711, Press Council, 149 Castlereagh St., Sydney 1800025712. Privacy Hotline 1300363992.

Migrants’ Advice. Dept. of Immigration, 131881. General advice to migrants including provision of interpreting services. Interpreter Service. 131450.

 

The Law And The Courts

Your Rights is based on case law decided by the courts (the common law) and laws passed by the Federal Parliament – the House of Representatives and the Senate – and by the State Parliaments (Statute Law). The powers of the Federal Parliament are set out in the constitution which can be amended by a referendum carried by a majority of voters in a majority of the States. Federal powers include powers over foreign affairs, defence, immigration, trade and commerce. States have powers in other residual matters not given to the Federal Government such as education, health and the police. The High Court decides the meaning of the constitution in particular cases. It does not give advisory opinions. It has extended Federal powers by for instance its acceptance of treaties under the external affairs power. It has decided there are implied rights in the constitution.

Other courts include the Supreme Court in each State, County or District courts, and Magistrates or Local courts.The Family Court (Chapter 5) deals with divorces and custody of children. Administrative Appeals Tribunals are becoming more common and hear appeals in matters such as freedom of information, pensions (Chapter 12), immigration (Chapter 14), and tax (Chapter 15). Some disputes such as family disputes (Chapter 5) and disputes between neighbours can be resolved by mediation. Court procedure in criminal and civil (non-criminal) cases is discussed in Chapter 13.

 

 

Contents of Your Rights

Australian Civil Liberties Union