Advocacy, Law & Money Matters
There are a number of organisations in our community that act on behalf of people with a disability, or who are economically or socially disadvantaged; to provide assistance and to ensure that their rights are protected in regard to legal or financial matters.
Action for Community Living.
(Incorporating Headway Advocacy Service)
ACL is a federally funded organisation advocating empowerment, independence and life in the community for people with disabilities.
- We are a statewide organisation
- Our work is directed by people with disabilities.
- We work with people with all 'types' of disability
- We support people to access the services and supports they
need for a quality life in the community - We work on systemic issues that are of common concern.
ACL provide advocacy support to people with disabilities regarding services presently available, eligibility criteria, appeals mechanisms, grievance procedures, training and service development.
Phone 9489 2999
TTY 9489 1179
www.advocacyhouse.org/acl/about.html
179 High Street,
Northcote 3070
Disability & Insurance Hotline Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
There are many issues faced by people with a disability:
- When & how do I stop work?
- How do I keep my job if I can’t do what I used to do?
- What do I do if I can’t work anymore?
- How am I going to pay the bills?
It’s very important for people with a disability to be aware of their rights at work. Where work is no longer possible, superannuation or insurance benefits can remove some of the financial burden.
Freecall 1800 196 050
9605 2700
Address: Level 10,
456 Lonsdale St,
Melbourne, 3000
FCRC. Financial & Consumer Rights Council
Advancing the rights of low income people
The Financial and Consumer Rights Council Incorporated (FCRC) is the peak body for community based organisations and individuals concerned with the rights of low income and vulnerable consumers in Victoria.
FCRC is a highly regarded, respected and recognised peak body committed to advancing the rights of low-income households.
The Council has a well-established position with the community to advance the eradication of poverty and advocate for the protection of consumer rights for low income and vulnerable consumers in Victoria.
Financial Counsellors offer their services free of charge to their clients and provide advocacy impartially. Financial Counsellors are usually employed by community agencies or other not-for-profit enterprises.
- To find out if a financial counsellor can help you, telephone the Consumer Affairs Victoria helpline on 1300 55 81 81
- The FCRC website has a comprehensive list of financial counsellors in the southern region and a number of links to other organisations for assistance with consumer or financial issues.
1300 55 81 81 (Consumer Affairs Victoria helpline)
Contact: For general enquiries contact the FCRC
9663 2000
1st Floor, Ross House,
247 – 251 Flinders Lane,
Melbourne, 3000
OPA. Office of the Public Advocate
Promoting the human rights, interests and dignity of Victorians with a disability.
The Victorian Office of the Public Advocate aims to promote and protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. We investigate and speak out about situations where people with disabilities are exploited, neglected or abused. Where needed we can use legal powers to make enquiries on behalf of people with disabilities when there are concerns about their safety or interests. The Office sits within the Department of Justice, but is independent of government and reports to the Victorian Parliament. We provide a range of services including an advice service, investigation, advocacy, and guardianship services. We coordinate three volunteer programs: the Community Visitors Program, the Independent Third Person Program and the Community Guardianship Program. We provide support to private guardians such as family and community members who act as guardians for people who cannot make their own decisions. We engage in research and systemic advocacy to improve systems that affect the lives of people with disabilities. Our community education and professional training program provides education to professional and general public audiences. We provide a range of free publications and forms.
1300 309 337
Email us Via ‘contact us’ > website
5th Floor,
436 Lonsdale St,
Melbourne, 3000
State Trustees.
State Trustees' core purpose is centred on helping people with their financial needs so they can make the most of their opportunities. This is achieved through the provision of a comprehensive range of will making, trustee, executor, and personal financial administration.
Disability Services
A core service of State Trustees is protecting the financial and legal interests of thousands of Victorians who are unable to manage their own affairs because of mental illness, injury or disability.
Meeting the needs of these customers is the single focus of our Personal Financial Solutions (PFS) division, which is dedicated to delivering outstanding service to its customer base.
These important customers to whom State Trustees provides services are known as "Represented Persons". Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) often appoints State Trustees to perform the role of financial and legal Administrator for Represented Persons.
9667 6444
168 Exhibition Street,
Melbourne, 3000
1300 138 672
593 Little Bourke Street,
Melbourne, 3000
Email: via ‘contact us’ > website
Victoria Legal Aid.
Victoria Legal Aid helps people with their legal problems. We focus on helping and protecting the rights of socially and economically disadvantaged Victorians. We can help in areas of criminal law, family law and some civil law matters.
Dandenong
9767 7111
1, 9-15 Pultney St,
Dandenong, 3175
Frankston
9784 5222
Cnr O’Grady Ave &
Dandenong Rd,
Frankston, 3199
Melbourne
9269 0234
1800 677 402 (Country Callers)
350 Queen St, Melbourne, 3000
Post: GPO Box 4380, Melbourne, 3001
Email: Via ‘contact us’ > website
Villamanta Disability Legal Service
Villamanta is a free Victoria-wide Community Legal Service that works only on disability related legal issues.
Their main purpose is to make sure that Victorian people who have a disability know about the law, and use the law, to help get their rights. Their main focus is the rights of people who have an intellectual disability.
1800 014 111 (Free Call—Legal Issues Only)
5229 2925 (All other calls)
Fax 5229 3354
44 Bellarine Street,
Geelong, 3220
WorkWelfareWills
A plain English guide to legal issues around health & lifestyle changes. Created for people whose illness or injury is affecting their ability to work.
Covers information on:
- Centrelink entitlements
- Health privacy
- Powers of Attorney, Guardianship
- Superannuation, Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Wills
WorkWelfareWills was made possible by a grant from the Victorian Law Foundation.
