Advanced Search

This safety plan is a guide to help you protect yourself and get help safely. You can use this plan if you are scared about being made to get married, scared about refusing a marriage or scared to leave a marriage that you never agreed to.

The English version of this resource links to the 'Information about forced marriage for agencies, community organisations and service providers'. This document has been produced by the National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery Communication and Awareness Working Group to provide agreed, best-practice information about forced marriage. This information is designed to be culturally, gender and age appropriate and is part of the Forced Marriage Community Pack . The in language versions are a brief handout for people who are affected by forced marriage.

The English version of this resource links to the 'Information about forced marriage for agencies, community organisations and service providers'. This document has been produced by the National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery Communication and Awareness Working Group to provide agreed, best-practice information about forced marriage. This information is designed to be culturally, gender and age appropriate and is part of the Forced Marriage Community Pack . The in language versions are a brief handout for people who are affected by forced marriage.

01 Jul 2016... This booklet explains what a contract is and what you need to do before signing a contract.

In this video from the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, learn about the pros and cons of taking a neighbour to court and alternatives that often turn out cheaper and simpler. Visit disputes.vic.gov.au/reachingagreement for more in this series.

What you should know if you have been charged with a drug-related driving offence and how you can prepare for the court case.

01 May 2019... You can get legal help if technology is being used to abuse, control or frighten you. This guide explains what behavour is illegal, how to collect evidence and where you can get legal advice.

This booklet explains what to do if you have received a Court Attendance Notice for a criminal offence and have to go to a NSW Local Court.

This brochure explains how Legal Aid NSW's Child Support Service can help both paying and carer parents with child support matters.

01 May 2020... The Racial Discrimination Act makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status. This fact sheet explains when the law is used, what racial discrimination and racial hatred are, when the offensive behaviour is against the law and what you can do if you experience discrimination or racial hatred.

01 Sep 2018... Do you have questions about grants of legal aid? Watch our new animated video to find out more.

01 Nov 2021... A poster that promotes reporting crimes motivated by hate or racism.

This information sheet explains what an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is and explains some of the terminology used in court in relation to Domestic Violence (DV).

Fact sheet on the history and facts of Asbestos including the national strategic plan to eradicate it.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart outlines a way forward for recognising First Nations in Australia's Constitution. SBS radio - in consultation with the Uluru dialogue - is sharing the Uluru Statement from the Heart with multicultural communities by translating it into more than 60 languages, available now as a podcast and in written form.

01 Nov 2020... On this page, learn how to verify or report an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) impersonation scam and get to know some of the warning signs of phone, email and SMS tax scams.

This brochure explains what will happen when Community Services want to talk about your children.

01 Oct 2021... A scam is designed to trick you into giving away your money or personal information. This guide explains how to tell the difference between scams and genuine contact from Centrelink. This document is bilingual. Scroll to the end of each translated resource to read the English version. 

27 Jun 2022... Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone. These videos explain how to get help and how Legal Aid Victoria can help you

29 Jun 2022... This Easy Read book covers what is a legal problem, who can help, how to call Victoria Legal Aid Help line and other places that can help.

01 Sep 2020... This brochure outlines who we are, types of visas we can help and a list of locations our lawyers give legal advice.

01 Sep 2021... This document is for participants of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). It explains how the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) and your AMEP provider will collect, use and disclose your personal information, and how you can access and correct your personal information.

08 Aug 2023... This video explains what consent is, how it relates to the law in Australia, and what you should do before touching someone or engaging in any sexual act. It also gives some examples of how to ask for and give consent, and how to respect someone’s choice.

08 Aug 2023... This video explains what sexting means, how it relates to the law in Australia, and what you should consider before sending or receiving sexual messages, images or videos.

Have you ever seen an advertisement promising you can make a lot of money working from home? Learn about the legalities of 'drop shipping'.

31 Jul 2021... This consumer guide developed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs tells you what a registered migration agent does. It also outlines the rules they must follow when they are helping you. It includes standards and rules a registered migration agent must follow, such as: how they give you immigration assistance the services they provide the fees they charge The guide also tells you how you can complain if you are not happy with a registered migration agent.

12 Dec 2020... Easy English book about sex and the law.

A toolkit split into 4 parts with information in Easy English to help women with disability understand and stand up for their rights.

A video about your rights.

This resource explains how the Family Court handles family disputes, especially related to children. It outlines the court's role in ensuring safe arrangements, resolving disagreements, and protecting rights. The resource is designed to be accessible, offering support for those involved in family court proceedings.

01 May 2020... Easy English book about your rights.

23 Jul 2023... This brochure from Seniors Rights Victoria has advice for when you are appointed to make decisions for someone and how to involve them in the decision-making process. The brochure includes contact information of organisations who may be able to provide help on this matter. More information on decision-making and your rights can be found on the Seniors Rights Victoria website.

31 Jan 2016... This resource is from the NSW Food Authority.  Sulfur dioxide is a chemical used as a preservative in some foods, such as meats. This fact sheet lists the meat products allowed to contain a certain amount of sulfur dioxide and those excluded and incur a penalty if used incorrectly.

28 Feb 2024... This resource is from the NSW Food Authority. Food suppliers, including manufacturers and importers, must have procedures in place for the recall and withdrawal of unsafe or unsuitable food.  Retailers must remove recalled food from sale.

01 Dec 2018... The Child Safe Standards require organisations that provide services or facilities for children to have strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children.  This colouring sheet has been designed to engage directly with young children and is to be used by organisations, parents and carers to encourage children to speak up if they feel unsafe. The colouring sheet advises them, 'Are you feeling scared? Yucky? Worried? Sad? Tell grown-ups'.

Door-to-door sales may include people who are trying to sell household goods, offering to do repairs to the house or asking you to change gas, electricity, telephone or internet providers.

This information will help you make the right decisions when buying a car.

A scam is a trick developed by unscrupulous people to steal your money or personal information. This resource lists the types of scams and gives advice on how to protect yourself and what you can do to take action against scams.

This brochure explains how to make an appeal against a decision from the Children's Court.

This information sheet explains how to make a complaint about the police.

01 Nov 2021... Prejudice or hatred increases the severity of crime. It is an aggravating factor and can occur as part of any crime. It makes crimes more serious because they impact the broader community as well as the specific victim. Victoria Police takes prejudice motivated crime very seriously.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains when you can ask for a refund, replacement and repair for your purchase.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains your rights and responsibilities when ending a tenancy.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains what a scam is, describes the most common ones and provides advice how you can avoid them.

Definitions and entitlements of Secondary Victims under Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

31 May 2018... This factsheet explains under what circumstances it is legally ok to have sex.

01 Aug 2016... What you need to know before you decide to buy something.

This fact sheet complements the steps 2 safety video that explains the Family Violence Intervention Order process in an easy to understand way.

Steps 2 safety is a video explaining the Family Violence Intervention Order process in an easy to understand and accessible way.

This multilingual fact sheet provides a short overview on the child safety standards and the law. Victorian laws require organisations to report any allegations that one of their workers or volunteers has abused a child and to do an investigation.

This fact sheet explains when a fine will be issued, the procedure and the amount you will have to pay if you do not have a valid ticket when travelling on Victorian Public Transport.

It can be a worry for older people when they see their adult children struggling financially. Before you decide to help you should be aware of the risks involved - especially if your home is all you have.

13 Feb 2023... The Australian Government has made Subclass 785 Temporary Protection visa (TPV) and Subclass 790 Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) holders eligible to apply for a permanent visa.

07 Feb 2023... The Mental Health Complaints Commissioner is an independent organization that takes complaints about public Mental Health Services in Victoria.

20 May 2022... Translated information about Victoria legal Aid's services. How to tell them about your legal problem and how they can help.

01 Jun 2021... Legal Aid NSW can can give you legal advice and information about your Centrelink problem.

01 Jun 2021... Information on how to claim a disability support pension and how Legal Aid NSW can help you with Centrelink and DSP problems.

24 Nov 2023... This video reveals the truth about vapes and e-cigarettes in Australia. You will find out how some companies are misleading you about what is in vapes and how they can harm your health. You will also learn about the laws that are changing soon and how they will affect you. You will also get some tips on how to quit smoking and vaping with the help of professional services. 

08 Aug 2023... This video explains what the age of sexual consent means, and what the legal consequences are for breaking the law.

01 May 2020... Easy English toolkit separated into 3 parts to help women with disability learn about Child Protection

01 Nov 2024... The fact sheets, including plain language and Easy Read, give a summary of each chapter of the Aged Care Bill 2024. It also explains the next steps to making the Bill a law.

16 Aug 2024... The best way to protect yourself against scams is through awareness and education. The Little Black Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams including the most common scams to watch out for, the different ways scammers can contact you, the tools scammers use to deceive you, the warning signs, how to protect yourself against scams, and where you can find help.

01 Aug 2018... This information sheet explains what the law regarding female circumcision is in Australia and how the law is applied.

01 Jan 2009... Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is the state's leading public oral health agency. This brochure has been produced to help you understand your rights and why information is collected about you and/or your child.

This brochure explains how Legal Aid NSW can help you if you are experiencing domestic or family violence.

01 Aug 2019... Being on bail means you are not in jail as you wait for your case to be heard. This brochure explains when you can get bail and the things you should know before you apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Travelling con men are dodgy tradesmen who knock on doors of homes and small businesses.

There are 4 books in the Easy English Police Powers series. Book 1 explains what the police can do and not do - their rights and responsibilities.

There are 4 books in the Easy English police powers series available. Book 4 explains your rights if you are arrested and interviewed at a police station.

Definitions and entitlements of Primary Victims under Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

This guide provides information on protecting your personal information. It explains how scammers might steal personal information and outlines tips you can follow to make protecting your personal information part of your day.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains the various expressions and terms that are used when renting.

01 Jun 2017... This short video explains what a bond is when renting a property.

01 Jun 2017... This short video explains the purpose of a condition report when renting a property.

01 Jun 2017... This short video explains who has to pay for damage repairs and within what timeline when renting a property.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman investigates complaints about the administrative actions of Australian Government entities and prescribed private sector organisations.

Rights are important but they only work if you know what they are. This document tells you what your rights are when you're dealing with police on the streets in NSW

01 Aug 2019... This brochure explains what to do if you are pleading guilty to a drink driving charge.

01 Apr 2019... Early and forced marriages are against the law in all States and Territories of Australia. It is also against the law to take someone to another country for an early or forced marriage.

This information sheet explains how you can plan ahead in case you lose capacity to make your own decision one day.

31 Mar 2023... This wallet-sized card gives examples of common legal problems that Victoria Legal Aid may be able to help with and provides details for contacting their Legal Help phoneline and Legal Help Chat.

28 Mar 2022... Crime Stoppers Victoria encourages people to share what they know about unsolved crime or suspicious activity anonymously. You don’t have to leave your personal details, your call isn’t traced and, if making an online report, your IP address isn’t recorded. Report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au or call 1800 333 000. If you see something, if you know something, say something!

01 Sep 2019... This resource is for organisations and health practitioners that sponsor Work and Development Orders assisting clients to clear fines debt in NSW.

30 Jun 2023... The Ribbon is a children's book and legal, educational resource highlighting the services of Legal Aid NSW. The bilingual tale (available in Arabic, Dari, Burmese and Swahili) written by author and refugee Monikka Eliah and illustrated by refugee Hussein Nabeel is a story of hope with one powerful message encouraging refugees to reach out for legal help

31 Dec 2022... This document in Plain English explains the right that everybody has to have relationships and sex as well as the right to make their own decisions about their body that are free from fear, force or pressure. It explains some of the laws around sex designed to keep everyone safe and how, when, and who to report a problem to.

31 Jul 2021... This factsheet from the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) explains who can legally provide immigration assistance in Australia. This is a resource for consumers and the wider community on who can give immigration assistance lawfully.​

This factsheet gives i nformation and examples of visa abuse, and how the law can help protect you from it. 

Easy English book about your right to take part in all areas of life.

23 Jul 2023... This brochure from Seniors Rights Victoria has information on ways to formalise your wishes while you are living, such as Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), Medical Treatment Decision Maker (MTDM), and Advance Care Planning. The brochure includes contact information of organisations who may be able to provide help on formalising your wishes. More information on decision making and your rights can be found on the Seniors Rights Victoria website.

23 Jul 2023... This brochure from Seniors Rights Victoria provides a guide for when you want to or are asked to help someone who is struggling financially. It has information on your rights and responsibilities, as well as risks. It also includes contact information for other organisations who may provide help in these situations. More information on gifts, loans and debts can be found on the Seniors Rights Victoria website .

23 Jul 2023... This brochure from Seniors Rights Victoria provides a guide for when you are considering agreements with family members, such as guaranteeing a loan, moving together, and more. It includes contact information of other organisations who may provide help for when you are considering entering into family agreements.

01 Apr 2021... Information on your options if you've received an infringement fine or a fine from court in Victoria.

If you are a temporary working visa holder, a permanent resident, or an Australian citizen, you are covered by work health and safety laws that apply to everyone in Australia. This fact sheet lists your rights at work.

30 Apr 2021... This video series helps older Australians understand their rights and make informed decisions about planning for the future. It covers key topics like Powers of Attorney, decision-making capacity, choosing the right attorney, understanding responsibilities, and the importance of planning ahead. The videos provide practical guidance to help seniors protect their wishes, maintain independence, and ensure trusted support when needed.

31 Dec 2019... This book explains what ''political donation'' means, who can give it and what to do if you get a political donation. It also explains when you should tell someone about a political donation and what kinds of donations are not allowed.

21 Nov 2024... This information sheet provides an overview of work health and safety laws, including employer duties and worker rights, information on common hazards, what to do if a worker is injured at work, and where to go for help. 

Bad treatment at work can be a crime. Slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and debt bondage are all crimes in Australia. For more information or access to free confidential legal assistance please contact Anti-Slavery Australia.

01 Jan 2015... Being on bail means you are not in gaol as you wait for your case to be heard. This brochure will help you understand bail and how to apply for bail.

Basic information and contact details about the services. Consumer Affairs Victoria is the state's consumer affairs regulator. Their purpose is to help Victorians be responsible and informed traders and consumers.

This pamphlet explains how character references can help you if you are going to court.

01 Aug 2019... Have you had a cosmetic procedure that's gone wrong and don't know what to do about it?

NSW introduced laws in 2017 that give police stronger powers to improve public and road safety and aim to reduce reoffending by introducing new ways for people to return to lawful driving.

01 Mar 2024... This fact sheet explains what you can do if you have problems with your home loan repayments.

01 May 2021... This brochure outlines options available for people with court fines and penalty notices to stop enforcement action and get back on track.

01 Nov 2021... This easy read resource explains what happens after court if court says you committed a serious crime but you are not criminally responsible because of your mental illness or cognitive impairment. The Mental Health Advocacy Service can help.

This brochure explains what you can do if you are an older person who is experiencing violence or abuse from a partner, another family member or other person who lives in your home or residential facility, or a neighbour or carer.

This information sheet explains what a will is - why you should have one and the legal aspects of it.

This brochure explains what will happen when Community Services remove your children from your care.

You have the right to access safe, quality healthcare and to be treated with respect. Raising your concerns when this doesn't happen protects your rights and can improve the health system for all Victorians. How can I launch a complaint with the Health Complaints Commissioner?

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains what door to door and phone sales are and lists your legal rights when signing a contract.

01 Apr 2019... If you get sick or injured and can't make decisions, you can choose someone who can make decisions for you by making an 'enduring power of attorney'. For example, as you get older, you might need help to go to the bank or to get aged care services.

There are 4 books in the Easy English Police Powers series. Book 2 is about your rights when the police want to search you.

If you are worried about the safety of a person who you cannot find, you can report them as missing to your local police by making what is called a 'missing persons report'. This resource is for people in the state of Victoria. 

01 Oct 2021... Information about reporting corruption and misconduct in the Victorian public sector, including fact sheets and videos.

01 Oct 2021... This language set contains translations of a short fact sheet about open disclosure and healthcare rights.

This short brochure explains the things you need to know immediately after the death of a loved one is reported to the coroner.

If you do not agree with a decision about your entitlements, you have the right to ask for a review of the decision.

28 Feb 2023... This information sheet explains how you can be granted a permanent RoS visa and get free legal help. The Federal Government has announced that from 14 February 2023 people who currently hold, previously held or have applied for a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) may be eligible for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa (RoS visa). People granted a permanent RoS visa will have the same rights and benefits as all permanent residents, including access to family reunion.

31 Aug 2024... This free booklet is for people who are experiencing family violence. It has information about things you can do to get protection and feel safer. It can help you understand your options. This booklet has information on: family violence how to apply for a family violence intervention order how to get ready for a court hearing where to get help.

All employees working in Australia have the same workplace rights including migrant workers and visa holders. This is a website addressing rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. It contains information on pay, holiday and other leave entitlements, starting and ending a job, fair work statement plus a video about working in Australia.

This information sheet explains what the reportable conduct scheme is and the requirements of religious organisations. It also lists the reportable allegations and the reporting procedure.

01 Dec 2020... Australia likes to see itself as a fair country. Unfortunately, sometimes people are treated unfairly because of what they look like, where they come from or what they believe. In Victoria there are laws to protect people from unfair behaviour and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission helps people who have been treated unfairly. Find out about your rights and how we can help you.

01 May 2015... Legal Aid funds a Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service. This brochure outlines how this program assists women to apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order and how women can stop the cycle of abuse. It is also available in an alternative format for Aboriginal communities.

01 Aug 2019... Courts can make orders to protect you from a person who has been violent towards you. This brochure explains how you can get an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) and what happens in court.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) independently assists consumers and small businesses to make and resolve complaints about financial firms. This website provides some key information you need to know before you make a complaint to AFCA.

This brochure explains what to do when you are pleading guilty to charges of driving while unlicensed, suspended, cancelled or disqualified.

This information sheet explains what the children's court does.

This information sheet explains how to lodge a complaint to Public Transport Victoria.

A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want to distribute your assets or properties after you die. By making a Will you will get the opportunity to give instructions as to how you want your family or friends to inherit your assets.

This fact sheet offers tips to help you to develop and maintain a positive and productive relationship with your lawyer.

01 Apr 2019... If you can't make a medical treatment decision because you are very sick the law says who can make this decision for you. If you want to choose who can make medical treatment decisions for you fill in the 'appointment of medical treatment decision maker' form.

Police have a lot of powers to help them carry out their work. Most of these powers are set out in legislation. The following information may help you to understand these powers and what rights and responsibilities you have in different situations about arrest, searching people and their property, public disorder, move along directions, detention of intoxicated persons, seizing goods and more.

There are 4 books in the Easy English police powers series. Book 3 explains your rights if you get arrested on the street.

This pamphlet answers the 10 most commonly asked questions people ask dealing with lawyers.

Definitions and entitlements of Related Victims under Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains your rights and responsibilities during a tenancy.

01 Jun 2017... A short one minute video on how to start and end a lease when renting a property.

01 Aug 2016... This factsheet explains what a service is and what you have to know before you sign a contract.

01 Jul 2017... The document provides information on domestic violence and intervention orders in South Australia. An intervention order is an order issued by either the police or the Court, forbidding a person (the defendant) from behaving towards you (the protected person) in ways which may harass, threaten or abuse you or which may be violent.

If you think things have changed since the Children's Court made orders, you can make an application to the Children's Court for the orders to be changed ('variation') or cancelled ('rescission'). These are called 'section 90' applications.

The brochure explains what happens when the Court places your kids under the care of Community Services.

This fact sheet contains contact details on who to contact to answer your questions about discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, racial or religious vilification, equal opportunity or human rights and where you can report if something happened and make a complaint.

21 Feb 2017... This is an animated film on human rights in Australia.

New underquoting laws aim to keep agents honest and give buyers a fair go in an open and transparent property market.

28 Feb 2016... Information about borrowing money through loans and credit cards, buying a car, paying bills, and budgeting.

What you need to know and consider before and after you sign a mobile phone contract.

01 Apr 2021... What are my rights? Under Victorian law, you have the right to know what health information is held about you, how and why it was collected and what it's being used for. You can ask to see your health information and change it if it's incorrect. You can also ask to have your health information sent to another health service provider. If these requests are refused, you deserve a written explanation.

This fact sheet lists the main legal issues that can occur at your workplace.

In some situations it might be a good idea to get a third party involved to help reach an agreement. In this video from the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, learn how getting a neutral party to help sort the problem out might work for you. Visit disputes.vic.gov.au/reachingagreement for more in this series.

01 Jan 2022... No one should be treated badly or unfairly because of the way they look, the language they speak, where they are from, their religious beliefs or their cultural background. Racism is against the law. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and the Human Rights Commission can help you if you experience racial discrimination and racial vilification. You can report racism to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. The Commission is an independent organisation that protects your human rights in Victoria and can help resolve complaints.

01 Nov 2021... This brochure will help you if you have crashed your car and are not insured for motor vehicle property damage or you are not claiming on your insurance. It outlines what you should do right after the accident and how to negotiate settlement or prepare for court.

01 Jun 2021... This brochure outlines the steps you can take to challenge a National Disability Insurance Scheme decision you are not happy with.

01 Jun 2021... The Legal Aid NSW Refugee Service helps refugees with many types of legal problems. This brochure outlines the service locations and types legal problems we can help refugees with.

23 Aug 2022... A collection of translated resources to help you guide you through the blue card system. Blue Card Services administers the blue card system—Queensland’s Working with Children Check. The blue card system regulates activities essential to children’s lives, including childcare, education, sports, cultural activities and health services. We check and monitor people who work in these industries and help organisations to create safe environments for children.

01 May 2024... Family law has changed. These changes may affect you if you have a parenting matter before the court or are trying to determine the right parenting arrangement for your child. This fact sheet will help you to understand how the new law operates. It contains general information only and is not intended to represent legal advice.

18 Jun 2024... Public intoxication means being affected by alcohol (drunk) in public. Laws about public intoxication changed in Victoria in November 2023. It is no longer against the law to be affected by alcohol in public. Police and support workers can help you if you are affected by alcohol in public. They can only give you help if you agree to it. You do not have to agree to their help. If you agree to their help, you can change your mind.

What to consider if you have a pet and are currently going through a separation with your partner.  

An Easy English book about your right to make choices

01 Dec 2019... This booklet informs you of your rights as an aged care consumer and how you can exercise them. It also includes some information about your responsibilities as an aged care consumer.

16 Aug 2024... This video explains some of the ways you can protect yourself and your community from scams. 

01 Oct 2021... Tenants Victoria offers free, confidential assistance for renters in Victoria. They provide multilingual advice on completing rental forms, and handling issues like repairs and rent increases, and they can negotiate or advocate with landlords or agents. Additionally, they offer representation at the VCAT and conduct community talks on tenant rights.

01 Feb 2018... This fact sheet is from the NSW Food Authority and lists the information that needs to be disclosed on unpackaged seafood and what penalties apply for noncompliance in NSW.

17 Jul 2024... This translated resource has information on the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024  . This amendment introduces new laws to tackle migrant worker exploitation and deter employers and others in the labour chain from using a person’s migration status to exploit them.  Starting from 1 July 2024, the new laws aim to: reduce temporary migrant worker exploitation increase employer compliance improve workplace justice outcomes