What we do

Human rights and civil law services

We provide services in civil and administrative law issues affecting human rights and social justice.

We give free, confidential, independent help and advice in the following areas:

Anti-discrimination – if you are the victim of discrimination and need representation before the Equal Opportunity Commission, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or the Federal Magistrates Court.
Centrelink and social security law – if you are being prosecuted for an overpayment and/or have a dispute with Centrelink.
Debt – if you want to know about your legal obligations and rights in relation to debt recovery.
Guardianship and administration – if you wish to dispute the appointment of an administrator or guardian at the VCAT.
Infringement fines – if you have a disability which has contributed to an on-the-spot fine.
Mental health – if you have a mental illness and need legal help and/or representation before the Mental Health Review Board.
Refugee and immigration – if you fear persecution in your own country and wish to apply for a protection visa, and/or need information about immigration and appeal matters.
Tenancy – if you are in conflict with your landlord or the Office of Housing.
Veterans’ Affairs – if you have been a member of the Australian defence forces, and you or your family need help to obtain the correct entitlements.
Victims of crime – if you have been a victim of a crime and want to make a claim for compensation.

Call VLA Legal Information Service on (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers) to find out how we can help you.

Human Rights and Civil Law Service - PDF, 1.4mb Brochure on how our Human Rights and Civil Law Service can help people with debt, mental health, refugee, social security, discrimination and other problems	Published 16-09-2008
Disagree with a Centrelink decision? - PDF, 760.0kb Brochure about what you can do if you disagree with a Centrelink decision and how we can help you	Published 16-09-2008
Refugees and protection visas - PDF, 552.4kb Brochure about how we can help people who have arrived in Australia, with or without a visa, who may be refugees	Published 16-09-2008