Are legal problems getting on top of you?
Canberra Community Law provides free, independent and confidential legal services to people on low incomes or facing other disadvantage in the ACT.
We also provide assistance on Centrelink and Social Security issues to people living in South‑East NSW.
What services does Canberra Community Law provide?
Canberra Community Law provides free, independent and confidential legal advice and advocacy services.
We provide seven legal services:
- Housing Law
- Social Security Law
- Dhurrawang Human Rights Program
- Street Law
- Disability Discrimination Law
- Socio-Legal Practice Clinic
- Night Time Legal Advice Service
Housing Law
Housing Law can provide you with free legal advice if you are having problems with Housing ACT or a community housing provider in the ACT.
Some examples of problems we can help you with are:
- Problems getting housing
- Evictions
- Rent arrears / behind on rent
- Housing transfers
- Housing debts
- Repairs and maintenance
Housing Law can also help private tenants and occupants on low incomes.
Please ring the Housing Law advice line on (02) 6218 7977.
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Need help with a Public Housing or Tenancy Problem?’
Social Security Law
Social Security Law can help you with Centrelink and Social Security matters if you are living in the ACT or south‑east NSW.
Some examples of problems we can help you with are:
- Appealing Centrelink decisions
- Overpayment/Underpayments
- Entitlements
- Debt recovery
- Payments cut off, reduced cancelled or suspended
- Claims refused
For advice on a Centrelink or Housing problem please ring us on (02) 6218 7977 or free call 1800 445 665 from south‑east NSW.
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Need help with a Centrelink or Social Security problem?’
Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program
Dhurrawang provides legal advice and representation to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the ACT. We also assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in South-East NSW with Centrelink matters.
Dhurrawang can assist you in dealing with:
- Housing problems in the ACT
- Centrelink problems
- Race discrimination where you have been treated unfairly because of your race, colour or descent in:
- Employment
- Education
- Getting or using services
- Accessing public places
Housing Law can also help private tenants and occupants on low incomes.
Just call on (02) 6218 7900.
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program’.
Artwork Acknowledgment
We acknowledge Wiradjuri artist Leanne Pope for the use of her artwork ‘Fresh Life After Rain’ 2017 for our identifier, marketing and promotional materials.
The original artwork is located at the offices of Canberra Community Law, Canberra ACT.
Street Law
Street Law assists people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness by providing legal help.
Street Law can provide assistance or referral in a number of areas of law, including:
- Proof of ID
- Traffic and other types of fines
- Centrelink issues
- Housing issues
- Debts
- Minor criminal law
- Employment law
- Consumer law
Street Law also runs outreach clinics in community venues.
Please ring Street Law on 1800 STRLAW (1800 787 529) or (02) 6218 7995 for advice or to make an appointment.
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Street Law: Outreach Legal Service for People Who Are Experiencing Homelessness’.
Disability Discrimination Law
Disability Discrimination Law can help you if you or someone you care for have been discriminated against because of a disability.
Please ring Disability Discrimination Law on (02) 6218 7918 or through the National Relay Service at www.relayservice.gov.au
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Think you’ve been treated unfairly because of your disability?’
Socio-Legal Practice (SLP) Clinic
Socio-Legal Practice (SLP) Clinic provides intensive legal and social work support for people over 18 who have urgent housing and Centrelink problems.
We can help with:
- Rent arrears/behind in rent
- Evictions
- Problems getting housing
- Centrelink payments and debts
- Social and emotional support
Please ring us on (02) 6218 7900 or free call 1800 445 665 from south-east NSW.
For more information about this Service see our brochure ‘Got Legal Problems and Need Some Social Support?’
Night Time Legal Advice Service (NTLAS)
NTLAS provides information, referral or one-off legal advice in most areas of law.
NTLAS does not provide advice in the areas that are covered by the day-time legal services. NTLAS also does not provide immigration and refugee legal advice.
NTLAS operates on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm (except December and January).
Please ring NTLAS on (02) 6218 7999 or visit us at 21 Barry Drive, Turner ACT 2612.
Doors open at 6pm and you must arrive or ring in by 7pm to be assisted on the night.
For more information about this service see our brochure ‘Do you need help with a legal problem?’
Feedback Welcome!
Canberra Community Law welcomes your feedback. You can telephone the Co‑ordinator/Principal Solicitor on (02) 6218 7922 or by mail at PO Box 337, Civic Square ACT 2608.
Alternatively, you can write to the Chairperson care of our postal address marking your letter “Confidential”.
We acknowledge and celebrate the First Australians on whose traditional lands we work and pay our respects to the elders of the Ngunnawal people past and present.