Publications

Completing Form 866 and 1505 (pdf, 969.19 KB) - Form 866 is for Permanent Protection Visas. Form 1505 is for those already on Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV

40 Years of the Legal Aid Commission (ACT) (pdf, 437.98 KB) - Across 2017-18, the Legal Aid Commission (ACT) is celebrating 40 years of service to Canberra and the surrounding region.

Access and Privacy (pdf, 251.17 KB) - A factsheet discussing tenant privacy and lessor access to rental properties. This factsheet was updated 12 May 2022.

ACT Capacity Toolkit: A Guide for Assessing Capacity (pdf, 1.5 MB) - This Toolkit is for you if you have concerns about the ability of an adult to make decisions for themselves. You may need to assess, or seek an assessment of, a person's capacity in your personal or professional life.   

ACT Tenancy Law Basics (pdf, 356.51 KB) - A factsheet explaining some tenancy law basics in the ACT. This factsheet was reviewed and updated 12 May 2022.

Adult Children Living At Home (pdf, 409.24 KB) - Do you have adult children living at home? This Factsheet was last reviewed November 2020. 

Application for Legal Assistance (pdf, 11.01 MB) - If you need ongoing help from a lawyer we may be able to help you fund your case. We do this by giving grants of legal assistance to people who can't afford a lawyer.  To get a grant of legal assistance, you will need to complete this application form.  Version Feb 2021. NOTE: If you are having an issue with printing the application form, for example part of the pages are being cut-off, please check your default printer settings. The scale setting may need to be changed to 'fit to printable area' rather than any default setting you may have. 

Are you a grandparent who is raising a grandchild? (pdf, 411.25 KB) - Are you a grandparent who is raising a grandchild? Do you look after a grandchild for long periods of time? Are you thinking about doing this? If so, this fact sheet has been written for you.

Are you applying for a Grant of Assistance? (pdf, 504.69 KB) - A factsheet explaining how to apply for financial assistance for legal representation, including answering why you may need to apply for a grant of assistance and eligibility requirements.  If you need help filling out the form itself, see the factsheet called 'Filling out the Form - Applying for a Grant of Assistance Guide' available here.  Last reviewed October 2018.

Are you getting divorced? (pdf, 570.6 KB) - Information about applying for a divorce in the ACT.

Are you separated? Are you in the process of a property settlement? (pdf, 505.51 KB) - This factsheet provides basic information on property settlement after separation. 

Are you separated? Do you need to make parenting arrangements? (pdf, 428.15 KB) - This factsheet provides basic information on making parenting arrangements for children after you have separated.  

Attending an interview with Asylum Seekers (pdf, 410.87 KB) - It is illegal for people who are not registered migration agents to help a person or give a person advice about applying for a visa. This includes the asylum seeker’s interview with the Department of Home Affairs.

Blacklisting (pdf, 462.18 KB) - A factsheet discussing residential tenancy databases. This factsheet was updated 29 March 2022.

Bond (pdf, 381.36 KB) -  A factsheet discussing the tenancy bond - what it is for, how to pay it and how to get it back

Bushfire Resources - Emergency and Crisis Assistance (pdf, 361.88 KB) - This factsheet is designed to help your preparation for bushfire season in the ACT. If you have concerns about bushfire season, how to legally prepare, or what your rights and obligations are, please call the free Legal Aid Helpline on 1300 654 314. --- Legal Aid ACT acknowledges it has reproduced some of this information from the Disaster Legal Help Victoria website - https://www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au/get-help/emergency-and-crises-assistance.

Bushfire Resources - Peparation (pdf, 441.13 KB) - This factsheet is designed to help your preparation for bushfire season in the ACT.  If you have concerns about bushfire season, how to legally prepare, or what your rights and obligations are, please call the free Legal Aid Helpline on 1300 654 314.  --- Legal Aid ACT acknowledges it has reproduced some of this information from the Disaster Legal Help Victoria website - https://www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au/get-help/being-legally-prepared

Bushfire Resources - Replacing Lost or Destroyed Documents (pdf, 318.08 KB) - This factsheet is designed to help your preparation for bushfire season in the ACT. If you have concerns about bushfire season, how to legally prepare, or what your rights and obligations are, please call the free Legal Aid Helpline on 1300 654 314.

Bushfire Resources - Tenancy (pdf, 351.42 KB) - This factsheet is designed to help your preparation for bushfire season in the ACT. If you have concerns about bushfire season, how to legally prepare, or what your rights and obligations are, please call the free Legal Aid Helpline on 1300 654 314. If your question is about your rental property, please call our Tenancy Advice Service on 1300 402 512 or email tas@legalaidact.org.au.

BVE (IMA) Code of Behaviour and Conditions (pdf, 637.68 KB) - A Bridging Visa E (BVE) is a temporary visa that allows you to live in the Australian community lawfully while you are waiting for your refugee case to be finalised.

BVE Cancellation (pdf, 499.88 KB) - When a person’s Bridging Visa is cancelled, they become an unlawful non-citizen and are detained. A decision to cancel a Bridging Visa E (BVE), is not necessarily a final decision of your immigration status.

Cannabis - Youth Law factsheet (pdf, 145.22 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around Cannabis in the ACT and where young people can get free and confidential legal help and non-legal support. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 28 October 2024.  

Capacity Guidelines: A Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners (pdf, 1.06 MB) - There is no single legal definition of capacity. The legal definition of capacity depends upon the type of decision being made. There are a variety of legal tests of capacity that are always assessed by reference to the capacity to do something, such as enter into a contract, make a will, or provide instructions to a lawyer.  The Guidelines are for legal practitioners to assist in ascertaining whether a client has capacity for the type of decision being made. 

Care For Your Assets (pdf, 2.09 MB) - This guide is about the things that are important to everyone - family relationships, money and a place to live.  Many older people choose to move in with family members so they can get the care they need as they get older. These arrangements often work well for everyone involved, but at OPALS we know things can take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, it is usually the older people who suffer the consequences and this is often avoidable. 

Changing a Child's Name (family law) (pdf, 393.7 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the steps involved in changing a child's name. This factsheet should not be substituted for family law legal advice. This factsheet was last updated on 5 October 2022. If you need help with a family law matter, contact the Legal Aid Family Law Duty Service on 1300 654 314.

Co-tenancy Factsheet (pdf, 177.46 KB) - This factsheet was updated on 2 March 2021.

Community Liaison Unit (pdf, 338.52 KB) - Information about Legal Aid ACT's Community Liaison Unit, including Cultural Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Liaison officers, Family Violence officers, our Migration Clinic and our Community Legal Education services. For information on our website, visit Community Liaison Unit. 

Concerned about someone? (pdf, 1.94 MB) - Information for family and friends concerned about someone who may be experiencing elder abuse or family violence.

Condition of Premises Report (pdf, 232.89 KB) - Condition reports are used as evidence in bond disputes. This 5-page condition report can be used in a tenancy or occupancy. It is available free from www.revenue.act.gov.au

Condition Reports (pdf, 264.48 KB) - A factsheet discussing the importance of condition reports and why tenants need to complete them.

Dealing with Police Factsheet (pdf, 974.69 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around dealing with police. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 28 October 2024.

Decision making and your rights (pdf, 1.2 MB) - Everyone wants to make their own decisions about things that affect their lives, and not be controlled by others. As the law says, we must presume that adults have 'capacity' to make decisions for themselves unless proven otherwise.

Defence and Veterans Legal Service Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVL) (pdf, 147.7 KB) - Defence and Veterans Legal Service Brochure Free, independent legal support to participate in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide The Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) is a free national service that provides independent information and legal advice to support Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, as well as their families, carers and supporters, to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. DAVLS is funded by the Australian Government through National Legal Aid. The service is independent and separate from the Royal Commission, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  

Determining Parentage (DNA Testing) in Family Law (pdf, 360.05 KB) - This factsheet explains DNA testing to determine parentage in child support matters. Read this factsheet to learn what to do if parentage of a child is disputed; why some people may request DNA testing in child support matters; and where to get free and confidential child support  help. This factsheet provides basic information only on family law. This factsheet should not be substituted for legal advice. You should seek legal advice about what to do in relation to your matter.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2023 - 2026) (pdf, 615.25 KB)

Do you have a mental health matter? (pdf, 417.32 KB) - People who have been detained in hospital under the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994 can be advised and assisted by a legal aid duty lawyer.

Do you have a problem at work? (pdf, 421.48 KB) - Do you have a problem at work? Have you been unfairly dismissed? Questions about your employment or the rights you have as an employee?   This Factsheet was last reviewed November 2020. 

Do you have a problem with your neighbour? (pdf, 497.38 KB) - Neighbourhood disputes can arise over many issues including noise pollution, fence repairs and pets. It is essential to address any problems as soon as they arise by negotiating or mediating with your neighbour or seeking advice.

Do you have a will? (pdf, 575.02 KB) - Legal Aid does not provide assistance in writing wills or administering a deceased's estate. However it can give advice and help you identify will related issues.

Do you want to make a complaint about an official or agency in the ACT public sector? (pdf, 341.22 KB) - Do you want to make a complaint about an official or agency in the ACT public sector? Reporting misconduct and how to make a public interest disclosure.

Elder Abuse (pdf, 416.53 KB) - Everyone has the right to live in a respectful and safe environment. However, people may not feel safe if they are experiencing elder abuse from a partner, a family member or another person who lives in their home. This factsheet explains what Elder Abuse is and how to get help. 

Ending a Tenancy (pdf, 697.01 KB) - A factsheet discussing how a tenancy can be brought to an end and what to do if a tenant needs to break a lease. This factsheet was reviewed and updated on 31 March 2023.

Family Advocacy and Support Services (pdf, 339.23 KB) - The Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS) is a free service providing assistance to families with family law matters who have been affected by family violence.

Family Dispute Resolution (pdf, 592.11 KB) - This factsheet includes information on Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Conferences held at Legal Aid ACT. FDR Conferences help people talk about and resolve parenting or property disputes. 

Family Law Services in the ACT (pdf, 413.56 KB) - Service Directory. Developed by the Family Law Pathways Network 2020. 

Family Violence Order Final Hearing Factsheet (pdf, 527.53 KB) - This factsheet aims to inform self-represented parties of what to expect at a Final Hearing for a Family Violence Order matter. This Factsheet was updated 23 November 2021.

Filling out the Form - Applying for a Grant of Assistance Guide (pdf, 1.93 MB) - This guide will help you to fill in the Application for Legal Assistance form. This guide was created to be read and worked through while filling out the application form. You can get a copy of the actual application form by contacting Legal Aid ACT on 1300 654 314. This guide is not an application form. Click here to open the Application for Legal Assistance form. Last reviewed October 2018.

First time in court? Are you entering a plea of guilty? (pdf, 503.35 KB) - Is this your first time in court? Are you thinking of entering a plea of guilty? It is important to get legal advice before deciding whether to plead guilty or not-guilty. 

Free Legal Services in the ACT (pdf, 415.21 KB) - A fact sheet with details of all of the free or low cost legal information and advice services that are available in the ACT.

Gifts, loans and debts (pdf, 1.68 MB) - It's important to know your rights and responsibilities and what can go wrong when you help someone out financially.

Going to ACAT (pdf, 139.69 KB) - A factsheet discussing what tenants need to know if they are going to ACAT

Guide to applying to have a youth sex offence conviction spent (pdf, 455.26 KB) - Guide to applying to have a youth sex offence conviction spent.

Have you had a car accident? (pdf, 503.05 KB) - This information was prepared for ACT readers who were involved in a motor vehicle crash and who are not insured for property damage. If you are insured, you should contact your insurance provider to obtain information on how to lodge a claim. This Factsheet was last reviewed November 2020.

Helping with forms if you are not a Registered Migration Agent (pdf, 391.69 KB) - This factsheet is for people in the community who would like to help people seeking asylum to complete visa application forms.

How can we help you? (pdf, 432.7 KB) - This factsheet gives an overview of the ways in which Legal Aid ACT can help you resolve your legal problem. 

How to complete and lodge an application for a protection visa (pdf, 512.17 KB) - If you arrived in Australia legally (by plane) you can apply for a Permanent Protection Visa Subclass 866 or Temporary Protection Visa Subclass 785.

How to issue a subpoena in Family Violence Order proceedings (FVOs) (pdf, 624.28 KB) - This publication is for self-represented parties to family violence  order proceedings in the ACT Magistrates Court. If you are preparing for a final hearing in family violence order proceedings, you may wish to issue a subpoena. This factsheet provides an overview of how to do this.  This factsheet is not a substitute for legal advice. 

How to write a Statement PV (pdf, 636.95 KB) - In order to make an application for a Protection Visa, you must indicate the reasons you believe you are owed protection. It is recommended that you write a separate statement and attach it to the form to provide as much detail and information to the Department of Home Affairs.

Immigration detention and human rights (pdf, 398.25 KB) - This factsheet is designed to give you information on the organisations that monitor and report on the conditions in immigration detention, including about a person’s continued detention.

Intimate Image Abuse - Youth Law factsheet (pdf, 236.8 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around intimate image abuse and where young people can get free and confidential legal help and non-legal support. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 16 September 2021.

Landlord Ending a Tenancy (pdf, 649.19 KB) - A factsheet that provides information about evictions. This factsheet was reviewed and updated on 31 March 2023.

Legal Aid ACT OPALS & DVCS Brochure (pdf, 153.98 KB)

Legal Aid Commission (ACT) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2022 (pdf, 1.15 MB)

Legal Aid Commission (ACT) Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026 (pdf, 2.49 MB) - Legal Aid Commission (ACT) Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026

Legal Health checklist (pdf, 627.98 KB) - People realise that maintaining their health requires regular, methodical checking. You should also check your legal health to ensure that your legal affairs are in order

Legal topics for older people (pdf, 15.54 MB) - Legal topics for older people. Diary 2020.

Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2022 (OPALS) (pdf, 1.73 MB) - Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2022 (OPALS) electronic version. 

Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2023 (OPALS) (pdf, 2.24 MB) - Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2023 (OPALS) electronic version. 

Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2025 (OPALS) (pdf, 6.87 MB) -  Legal Topics for Older People Diary 2025 (OPALS) electronic version. 

Light at the end of the tunnel (pdf, 1.86 MB) - This report details research undertaken by Dr Liz Curran on behalf of Legal Aid ACT. The research looked at Legal Aid ACT and the quality of its legal services to clients.

Maintenance & Repairs (pdf, 236.88 KB) - A factsheet summarising your rights and obligations regarding maintenance and repairs. This factsheet was updated 12 May 2022.

Mandatory Visa Cancellation (pdf, 517.49 KB) - This fact sheet is for people who are not Australian citizens and are serving a prison sentence.  This fact sheet was originally produced by Victoria Legal Aid (www.legalaid.vic.gov.au). This fact sheet has been prepared as a guide only and it is not a substitute for legal advice. As with any matter concerning a legal issue, you should seek independent legal advice. The information contained in this fact sheet is current as at November 2020. 

Ministerial Intervention (pdf, 1.09 MB) - This factsheet explains how to write a letter to request Ministerial Intervention under either section 417 or section 48B of the Migration Act 1958 (the ‘Act’).

Modifications to Property (pdf, 602.04 KB) - A factsheet discussing when rental properties an be modified by tenants.

Mould (pdf, 134.41 KB) - A factsheet about mould in rental properties.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Reviews (pdf, 313.54 KB) - This fact sheet includes general information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Reviews process. If you need help, call the Helpline on 1300 654 314 or drop in to see us at 2 Allsop Street Canberra City. 

Occupancy Agreements (pdf, 292.13 KB) - A factsheet discussing occupancy agreements. This factsheet was updated 8 February 2022.

Older Persons ACT Legal Service (pdf, 323.28 KB) - Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) is a specialist service within Legal Aid ACT which aims to provide legal assistance to older people in the Canberra region with legal problems. 

Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS): Our Elders (pdf, 1.21 MB) - The Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) is a specialist service within Legal Aid ACT which provides free and confidential legal assistance to older people. We can meet you at your home, local coffee hop or anywhere you feel comfortable. Visit the OPALS page for more information. Telephone: 1800 353 374 or (02) 6243 3436.     

OPALS Diary 2021 (pdf, 1.72 MB)

Our Criminal Law Practice (pdf, 473.99 KB) - Our Criminal Law practice provides a wide range of services. For further information on the services offered by Legal Aid ACT, visit our website. 

Our Criminal Practice (pdf, 374.15 KB) - This factsheet describes the different services provided by our Criminal Law Practice, including our duty service at the ACT Magistrates Court. If you have to go to court for a criminal law matter, this factsheet may help you understand the free legal help available to you. This factsheet was updated on 7 July 2022.

Our Family Law Practice (pdf, 423.03 KB) - Our Family Law practice provides a wide range of legal and non-legal support services. For more information on the services offered by Legal Aid ACT, visit our website.  

Parenting Order Contraventions (pdf, 107.15 KB) - This factsheet explains contraventions of parenting orders. This factsheet was last updated on 11 November 2021.

Personal Safety: Do you need a Family Violence Order? Do you need a Personal Protection Order? (pdf, 432.4 KB) - These are orders made by the court to protect a person (the applicant) from future assaults, threats of violence, property damage, stalking, acts of indecency, harassment and offensive conduct by another person (the respondent). If you are worried about your personal safety get in touch with Legal Aid ACT.

Pests (pdf, 314.36 KB) - This factsheet outlines responsibilities and obligations of the tenant and landlord in relation to Pests. This factsheet was last reviewed on 29 November 2021.

Pets (pdf, 156.35 KB) - A factsheet discussing whether you can keep a pet during your tenancy

Plan for your safety (pdf, 1.71 MB) - Information for older people who may be at risk of elder abuse. Everyone has the right to live in a respectful and safe environment. However, people may not feel safe if they are experiencing abuse from a partner, a family member or another person who lives in their home, such as an adult child. But it is important to remember there are things you can do to protect yourself from violence or abuse.

Private FDR Referral Form (pdf, 468.48 KB) - Private FDR Referral Form

Providing evidence of your identity (pdf, 457.61 KB) - With an application for a Protection Visa, the Department of Home Affairs (the ‘Department’) asks that you provide documentary evidence of your identity, nationality or citizenship. This factsheet describes the documents you may need to provide and the requirements surrounding these documents. This information is for people seeking asylum who are currently in Australia.

Recovery Orders (pdf, 122.3 KB) - This factsheet provides  basic information on family law recovery orders. This factsheet was reviewed on 14 December 2021.

Refused by the Department (Fast Track - Boat Arrival) (pdf, 560.94 KB) - This information is for people who arrived to Australia by boat and are being processed under “Fast Track”.

Refused by the Department (Plane Arrival) (pdf, 438.05 KB) - This information is for people who: Arrived to Australia legally (by plane on a valid visa and cleared through immigration clearance); and Who have received a negative decision from the Department of Home Affairs (the ‘Department’) about whether they are a refugee or owed complimentary protection obligations.

Rent Increases (pdf, 345.51 KB) - A factsheet discussing when and if your rent can be increased. This factsheet was updated 12 May 2022.

Resolution of Status visa and TPV/SHEV holders (pdf, 206.78 KB) - Resolution of Status visa and TPV/SHEV holders

Sample letters - Access for Purchaser (docx, 14.71 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Bond Dispute (doc, 27 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Break lease no grounds (doc, 43.5 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Change to Rent Payment Method (doc, 28 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample Letters - Lodgement of Bond (docx, 14.26 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Notice to Remedy Breach (doc, 27 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Outstanding Rent (1) (doc, 24 KB)

Sample letters - Outstanding rent (2) (docx, 12.88 KB)

Sample letters - Rent Increase (doc, 30 KB) - This sample letter was uploaded on 2 March 2021.

Sample letters - Repairs (doc, 26 KB)

Sample letters - Termination of periodic tenancy (docx, 12.24 KB)

Sample letters - Unwanted Access (docx, 15.12 KB)

Scales of Costs (pdf, 589.11 KB)

Sex & Consent - Youth Law factsheet (pdf, 241.05 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around sex and consent and where young people can get free and confidential legal help and non-legal support. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 16 September 2021.

Sexting - Youth Law factsheet (pdf, 267.99 KB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around sexting and where young people can get free and confidential legal help and non-legal support. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 16 September 2021.

Standard residential tenancy terms - Schedule 1 (pdf, 251.61 KB) - Standard residential tenancy terms - Schedule 1. This resource was reviewed on 2 March 2021.

Standard Tenancy Agreement 2023 (pdf, 318.58 KB) - Standard Tenancy Agreement

Starting a Tenancy (pdf, 606.1 KB) - A factsheet discussing what you need to think about when starting a tenancy.

Stay Here, Stay Safe (pdf, 557.22 KB) - Legal Aid ACT's publication about migration and family violence provisions.

Student Legal Survival Guide (pdf, 513.86 KB) - Do you have concerns about your housing? Work? Drink driving charges? Debt? Visas? Your personal safety?

Subletting factsheet (pdf, 496.83 KB) - A factsheet discussing sub-letting rights and obligations. This factsheet was updated 23 October 2020. 

Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) (pdf, 612.42 KB) - This information is for asylum seekers who arrived by boat or plane without a valid visa or who were not immigration cleared.   If you are found to be owed protection obligations by the Australian Government as part of the protection visa application process, you can be granted either a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV).

Tenancy and Expiry of COVID-19 Measures (pdf, 279.36 KB) - A factsheet discussing the expiry of tenancy measures concerning COVID-19. This factsheet was updated 12 May 2022.

Tenancy Changes April 2023. (pdf, 642.79 KB) - A factsheet that provides information about the Tenancy Changes. This factsheet was reviewed and updated on 31 March 2023.

Tenancy Comic - Problems with my Landlord (pdf, 550.6 KB) - This comic book covers the common issues we see people experience when it comes to renting (tenancy).  The contents of this comic is legal information only and is not intended as legal advice.If you need legal advice, call our Tenants Advice Line on 1300 402 512.  This comic was last reviewed November 2020.

Tenancy, Personal Violence and Family Violence (pdf, 431.43 KB) - A Personal Violence Order or Family Violence Order can impact a tenancy. This factsheet has information on how PPO's or FVO's can impact a tenancy and what your options are as a Protected Person. This factsheet was updated 23 October 2020. 

The Disability Royal Commission Legal Service (pdf, 201.83 KB) - The Disability Royal Commission Legal Service is a free national legal service providing information and advice to people wanting to participate in the Royal Commission. The website is a one-stop-shop for information about how to get legal help and making a submission to the Royal Commission and provides links to support services such as counselling and referral services, help to prepare submissions or financial help with appearing before the commission. People can access the Disability Royal Commission Legal Service online  www.drclegalservice.org.au or by phone: 1800 771 800 Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.15pm (AEDT).

Trees Factsheet (pdf, 304.98 KB) - This factsheet provides basic information on when you can and cannot damage a tree. This factsheet was updated on 22 November 2021.

Uncollected Goods (pdf, 113.12 KB) - Uncollected Goods. This factsheet was last updated on 4 February 2022.

Vaping Laws - Youth Law Factsheet (pdf, 9.37 MB) - This factsheet provides an overview of the laws around Vaping in the ACT. This factsheet aims to inform young people aged 12-25 years of age of their legal rights and responsibilities. This factsheet was last updated on 28 October 2024. 

What is a character reference? (pdf, 407.07 KB) - What is a character reference? Who can write one? What does it need to include?

What is a guardian? What is a guardianship order? (pdf, 337.08 KB) - A guardian is a person who is appointed to make certain decisions for you where you do not have the capacity to make the decisions for yourself

What to do when your visa has been mandatorily cancelled (pdf, 1.24 MB) - This guide is for people who have had their visa mandatorily cancelled.  It includes letter templates.  This fact sheet was originally produced by Victoria Legal Aid (www.legalaid.vic.gov.au). This fact sheet has been prepared as a guide only and it is not a substitute for legal advice. As with any matter concerning a legal issue, you should seek independent legal advice. The information contained in this sheet was reviewed and updated in July 2021.

What to expect at an Interview (pdf, 472.53 KB) - After you have lodged your application for a protection visa with the Department of Home Affairs (the ‘Department’), you will wait a few months before receiving a letter inviting you to a time and place for the interview.

What to expect at the Tribunal (pdf, 546.89 KB) - This factsheet is for people who have the right to a merits review hearing with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This is mainly people who arrived by plane, although it can include some people who arrived by boat to Australia.

Who is a refugee? (pdf, 410.12 KB) - This information is for people seeking asylum who are currently in Australia.

Working with older people at risk of abuse (pdf, 1.38 MB) - Information for workers about promoting the safety and wellbeing of older people. Older people have the right to live in safety, to be treated with dignity and respect and to make their own decisions. Some older people are denied their rights through elder abuse, sometimes by those who are closest to them. As support workers, we can help promote an older person's safety and wellbeing. It is important that we do so in ways that respects the rights of older people.

Your Rights and Obligations as a Tenant (pdf, 640.54 KB) - A factsheet summarising your rights and obligations as a tenant. This factsheet was reviewed and updated on 31 March 2023.

Youth Law Matters (pdf, 2.25 MB) - Youth Law Matters was created to help you understand some of the law that are about young people and can affect you.