How we can help
There are some legal problems we don’t give advice about, but we may be able to give you some information over the phone or through our live online chat. Many requests can be dealt with online rather than on the phone.
- Speak to us over the phone or using our online chat
- Help in your language
- Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone
If we can’t help, we can refer you to other organisations that can.
Other organisations that can help
Victorian Government information
The government website has the latest information about:
- current
- booking a vaccine
- quarantine and emergency
- getting
- public exposure
- financial and other support for
- Victorian travel permit .
Consumer Action Law Centre
The Consumer Action Law gives free legal to vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers in Victoria. They can help with financial stress and other consumer problems relating to COVID-19. You can call their free Legal Help Line on 1800 466 477 or their dedicated Koori Help Line on 1800 574 457 between 10 am and 1 pm daily. They also have a new online chatbot that can receive enquiries at any time.
The National Debt is managed by the Consumer Action Law Centre. It offers free, confidential and independent financial information to Victorians having difficulty paying their rent, mortgage or debts. Call or email the free financial counselling .
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria has advice on their website about postponed or cancelled events or travel and your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
They also have information about renting for international who have been affected by the COVID-19 travel ban, available in multiple languages.
Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services has COVID-19 information and referrals for people with disability and their .
This includes easy-to-read fact sheets about JobKeeper payment impacts on disability support pension and impacts on carer payment .
Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman has frequently asked about workplace obligations and entitlements under Australian workplace laws if you're affected by COVID-19.
Federation of Community Legal Centres
The Federation of Community Legal can assist you to find a community legal near you.
Job Watch
Job is an employment rights legal centre. Their website has Q&As about employment rights in relation to and a returning to work . They also have information about vaccinations in the workplace.
Law Institute of Victoria
The Law Institute of can help you find a lawyer. Some lawyers offer a free first interview through the Find a lawyer legal referral .
People with a Disability Australia
The COVID-19 Hub at People with A Disability has information and links for Australians with a disability.
Social Security Rights Victoria
Social Security Rights provides legal information and advice to Victorians about their social security entitlements. You can contact Social Security Rights for free information or advice.
Tenants Victoria
Tenants provides information, advice and legal representation to protect the rights of Victorians who rent their homes. The Tenants Victoria website has information about what you can do if your tenancy is impacted by .
Impact on the Victorian justice system
Legal organisations, courts and tribunals across Victoria are taking active steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. This means there are some changes to services.
Read the latest updates about how courts and tribunals are dealing with from the Judicial College of Victoria.
There are also changes to services for many community legal centres. Please refer to individual centres for details. The Federation of Community Legal can assist you to find a community legal near you.
Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 16 January 2023