If you are interested in becoming a tutor or would like to know more about what we do, you can find out more about the refugee tutoring program here or email info.vortcs@svdpqld.org.au
You should not attempt to advise your family on legal issues unless you
are a qualified lawyer practising in that area. There are
organisations that will provide free legal help to low-income families
in various areas, including immigration law, family law, criminal law
and general civil matters.
The following organisations may be able to provide assistance:
Refugee Civil Law Clinic (RCLC)
RCLC provides free legal advice and assistance to refugees, humanitarian entrants, asylum seekers and temporary protection visa h olders in the areas of: fine, infringement notices and penalties; debts, loan agreements and bankruptcy; consumer issues; housing and tenancy issues; Centrelink; guardianship issues; employment; police powers; and discrimination.
RCLC cannot provide direct assistance with immigration, family or criminal law problems, but can assist with referrals to alternative service providers.
RCLC is run with the assistance of volunteer lawyers from Corrs Chambers Westgarth and is held at the Multicultural Development Association (MDA) on 512 Stanley Street, South Brisbane.
RCLC runs fortnightly on Mondays from 2 pm to 4 pm.
For more information please contact Andrea de Schmidt on (07) 3846 6319 or hplc@qpilch.org.au.
Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)
RAILS
is the only legal agency in Queensland specialising in refugee and
migration law. RAILS is an independent not-for-profit organization
working with volunteers to provide free legal advice, assistance and
community education to disadvantaged people. It advocates in cases of
most need before the Department of Immigration, review tribunals and,
on occasions, to judicial review. The Service has a demand that far
exceeds its resources and takes on only those highest priority cases
with most merit.
The Service operates under a community
management committee and is staffed by a coordinator, legal staff and
administration workers with support from a large team of dedicated
volunteers.
Contact details:
In person: Level 1, 170 Boundary Street, West End
Runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays except for Thursdays
Evening Advice Sessions every Monday and Wednesday 6.00pm to 8.30pm.
By phone: (07) 3846 3189
For more information, visit the RAILS website
Caxton Legal Centre
Caxton
Legal Centre provides free generalist legal advice, assistance and
referrals for clients with low incomes or who face other access to
justice issues. The emphasis is on self help, empowerment and
education. It also operates specialist programs including a child
support service and a program for older people experiencing, or at risk
from, family violence (non spousal).
WLS
is a legal service run by women for women. Legal advice is available
by appointment during the day (telephone or face-to-face) or during
advice sessions Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30 to
8pm (telephone or drop-in, no appointment necessary). Domestic
violence counselling and short-term support available by appointment
only during the day.
YAC
is a community legal and welfare service for young people under 17
years and their families living in and around Brisbane. It focuses on
criminal law as it relates to minors. Casework, law reform and
community legal education is offered.
Legal
Aid Queensland provides legal assistance to financially and socially
disadvantaged Queenslanders through information, advice and
representation in family, civil, and criminal law matters.
