Legal Resources
CCHR provides a list of legal organisations as a service to make obtaining legal representation easier.
CCHR makes no recommendations about any of the organisations listed.
We advise that you choose a lawyer that you feel confident working with. Even if the lawyer is working for free, make sure you are 100% satisfied with them or you may not obtain the required result you want.
For information on how to obtain your medical records click here.
Australian Capital Territory
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS): This is a specialist service within Legal Aid ACT. OPALS provides free legal help to older people in Canberra. https://www.legalaidact.org.au/opals
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
New South Wales
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Justice Connect: Provide free legal referral to pro bono lawyers for people experiencing disadvantage in NSW and Victoria. https://www.justiceconnect.org.au
Law Society of NSW: Refer the public to lawyers including public who can pay and sometimes those who can’t through their Pro Bono Referral Scheme. They have an online referral, by email or by phone (02) 9926 0300. https://www.lawsociety.com.au
LawAccess NSW: A free government phone service that provides legal information, referrals and in some cases, advice for people who have a legal problem in NSW. http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Seniors Rights Service: Provide free and confidential legal advice to seniors across NSW who receive Commonwealth-funded aged care services at home or in residential care, as well as their carers or family members. https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au/legal-services/general-legal/
Public Interest Advocacy Centre: Is a non-profit organisation whose activities include providing legal assistance, to help homeless people. They have a strict set of guidelines concerning who they are able to assist. They are located in NSW. https://piac.asn.au/legal-help/public-interest-cases/
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Northern Territory
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Darwin Community Legal Service: This group provides free legal advice and legal help. They also have a Seniors and Disability Rights Service supporting and advocating for seniors. https://www.dcls.org.au/about-us/
Law Society Northern Territory: Members of the public can telephone the NT Law Society and ask for a list of firms practising in the required area of law on (08) 8981 5104. They also have a Pro Bono Clearing House and members of the public can apply for assistance. In addition to these services they have a “First Interview Scheme” that enables a member of the public to have an initial 30 minute consultation with a legal practitioner for $99 (cost as at August 2016). Phone the Law Society NT to enquire about this scheme. http://lawsocietynt.asn.au
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Queensland
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Community Legal Centres Queensland: There are 33 independent community legal centres operating across Queensland. They provide free information, advice and referral, limited representation and advocacy. http://communitylegalqld.org.au
LawRight: Formerly known as QLD Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH), LawRight is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based legal organisation coordinating the provision of pro bono legal services for individuals and community groups in Queensland. www.lawright.org.au
Queensland Law Society: Have a “Find a solicitor by online referral” on their website https://www.qls.com.au/Find-a-Solicitor/Search. They also have a Pro Bono Referral Service which is administered by the non-profit organisation, LawRight. www.lawright.org.au
Seniors Legal and Support Services: Seniors legal and support services in 11 locations providing free legal advice, information and social work services for people over 60. https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/legal-support/legal-services
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
South Australia
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
South Australia reviews and appeals under the Mental Health Act: The South Australian Mental Health Act 2009 under section 84, provides for every review or appeal (for involuntarily detained patients and those on a community treatment order), a lawyer of the person’s choice paid for by the government. http://sahealth.sa.gov.au
JusticeNet SA: They refer people who cannot afford a lawyer and their case has legal merit to lawyers who provide legal services on a free basis. https://www.justicenet.org.au/ They cannot assist with urgent legal assistance and recommend that if it is urgent, the Legal Health Line is contacted on 1300 366 424.
Legal Services Commission: They provide free preliminary information, advice and referrals. https://lsc.sa.gov.au/
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Law Society of SA: Will provide the names of 3 legal firms according to specific areas of law. https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Tasmania
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Law Society of Tasmania: Have a “Find a Firm by Areas of Practice” on their website. They also have a Pro Bono Clearing House aimed at matching people who are in genuine need of legal help with a lawyer who is able to assist. Eligibility criteria are on their website. http://lst.org.au
Tasmania Legal Aid: May be able to assist by providing free or low-cost legal advice. www.legalaid.tas.gov.au
Women’s Legal Service Tasmania: Provide free legal advice to women across Tasmania through their telephone advice line. Call 1800 682 468 Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm or visit www.womenslegaltas.org.au for more information.
Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service: Provide free legal assistance to all Aboriginal Tasmanians. www.tals.net.au
Senior Assist: Is a team of lawyers who provide free legal advice and representation to seniors. https://www.legalaid.tas.gov.au/factsheets/fact-sheet-senior-assist/
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Victoria
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Justice Connect: Provide free legal referral to pro bono lawyers for people experiencing disadvantage in NSW and Victoria. https://www.justiceconnect.org.au
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV): Is a specialist Community Legal Centre that can provide free legal advice and case work directly to the older person with the legal problem. https://seniorsrights.org.au/about-us/
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
Law Institute of Victoria: Have a “Find your lawyer” referral service by area of law on their website. They also provide a “Law Institute Referral Letter”, for participating firms who will see clients for up to the first 30 minutes free of charge. Phone (03) 9607 9550 or email referrals@liv.asn.au to obtain a referral letter. The referral letter will list up to 3 firms practising in the relevant area of law. http://www.liv.asn.au
Victoria Law Foundation: Help to give Victorians the knowledge and confidence to deal with everyday legal issues and seek legal help for problems. http://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/about-us
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Western Australia
Australian Probono Resource Centre: This Australian group supports and promotes probono legal services (meaning “for the public good”, services are free though sometimes they may charge for other expenses). They do not provide legal assistance themselves but do have a state directory on their website which lists organizations and services who may be able to assist with free legal advice in your state. http://probonocentre.org.au
Law Access: A non-profit organisation that coordinates probono (free) legal assistance. https://lawaccess.org.au/find-legal-help/individuals/
Seniors Rights and Advocacy Service: Are part of the Civil Law Division of Legal Aide WA and operate out of the Perth Office. They provide free legal advice to elderly being harmed or at risk of being harmed. https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/Video-Fact-Sheet-SRAS.pdf
Law Society WA Website: Have an on-line “Find a Lawyer” database. See bottom of webpage: https://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/find-a-lawyer/
No Win No Fee Law Firms: There are many law firms across Australia that will take on legal matters on a “no win, no fee” basis, also known as a “contingency” basis or “speculative action.” This means that, if the firm thinks you are likely to succeed in court and receive compensation, they will not charge you any money up front. Instead, they will take their legal fees out of the amount of compensation you receive if you succeed. Enquire about this when contact is made with a law firm.
FindLaw Australia: An Australia wide website that has a directory to help find a lawyer and provides profiles of lawyers that can assist with legal problems. https://lawyers.findlaw.com/
Solicitor Advice.com: This site may assist in locating a lawyer: http://www.solicitoradvice.com/medicalnegligencelawyers.htm
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: An association of legal professionals active in practising and promoting awareness of international human rights standards in Australia. They promote laws across Australia that comply with the principals of international human rights law, support lawyer’s practice of human rights law and assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. https://alhr.org.au
Other ways to locate a lawyer to assist would include searching on-line for medical negligence lawyers, personal injury lawyers, human rights lawyers and similar. Should you call someone and they are unable to help, ask them if they know of anyone who can as this may shorten your search.
You could also talk to your lawyer if required about the possibility of what actions could be taken to assist in preventing future psychiatric treatment through the use of a Living Will, Power of Attorney, Medical Guardianship, (some states of Australia have Advance Health Directives or similar). State Governments will also have information on this area.
Freedom of Information Acts – Obtaining Medical Records and Government Information
All states of Australia have acts of law which allow for patients to obtain their medical records as well as for the public to obtain information from government agencies. Medical records can greatly assist with lodgement of complaints and legal actions.
The name of the law, what can be obtained and from where does vary from state to state and federally. Below are links that provide information for each state on this law and how to make a freedom of information request. The hospital or agency where it is known/thought the records are, can be phoned directly and asked for assistance to make the request.
- FEDERAL: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/foi-act
- ACT: ACT Health – https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/accessing-your-medical-records
- NSW: Health NSW – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/gipaa/Pages/default.aspx
- NT: Office of the Information Commissioner Northern Territory – https://infocomm.nt.gov.au
- QLD: Queensland Government – https://www.rti.qld.gov.au/right-to-information-act
- SA: Legal Services Commission of South Australia – https://lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/ch29s04.php#:~:text=Access%20to%20documents%20held%20by,Fees%20may%20apply
- Tas: Tasmanian Department of Human Services for health related requests- http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/about_the_department/your_rights/rti
- Vic: Victoria State Government Right to Information website: https://ovic.vic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/for-the-public/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/
- WA: Office of the Information Commissioner – http://foi.wa.gov.au
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