Welcome to homelesslaw.org.au

An online resource for lawyers and advocates

• Infringements

  Obtain client details. Obtain details of all outstanding fines. Infringement notice or penalty reminder stage. Enforcement order or infringement warrant stage. Fines imposed in open court.

• Housing and Tenancy

  Starting a tenancy; During a tenancy; Ending a tenancy; Tenancy at VCAT; Dealing with the Office of Housing; Definitions; Precedents.

• Credit and Debt

  Taking instructions, Which legislation applies?, Getting relevant documentation, Is the client judgment proof?, Debt collectors and your client's rights, Going to Court, Secured debts and mortgages, Bankruptcy

• Guardianship and Administration

  The law, Before the VCAT hearing, During the VCAT hearing, After the VCAT hearing, Contacts

• Social Security and Centrelink

  Payments and pensions, Participation failures and serious failures, Debts to Centrelink

• Police Powers

  Overview, The Independent Third Person, Complaints against Police, Contacts

• Mental Health

  Introduction to mental health and homelessness, Involuntary medical treatment of the mentally ill, The criminal justice system and mental health, Other issues, Contacts

• Victims of Crime

  Taking instructions, Who can claim assistance from VOCAT?, What assistance can VOCAT provide?, Making a VOCAT application, Other assistance for victims of crime, Contacts and Resources

• Discrimination

  What is Discrimination? Victorian Anti-discrimination Legislation, Discrimination under Commonwealth Legislation

• Family law

  Details on (limited) advice and assistance provided in areas of family law, family violence and child protection

• For case workers...

  Tips and information for non-lawyers who work with clients experiencing homelessness