Welfare, consumer and legal rights
Civil claims listThe Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) incorporates the Civil Claims List, which investigates disputes over goods and services.
- Commonwealth ombudsman
The Commonwealth Ombudsman investigates complaints about the actions of Commonwealth Government departments and authorities.
- Community legal centres
Community legal centres offer free legal advice and assistance in completing legal aid applications for low-income people. The centres give referrals to private solicitors and other sources of assistance.
- Consumer action law centre
Consumer Action provides free legal advice and representation to vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers across Victoria, it is the largest specialist consumer legal practice in Australia.
- Consumer affairs victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria investigates complaints about fraudulent, illegal or unfair trade or commercial practices regarding goods and services.
- Council on the ageing
The Council on the Ageing (COTA) provides information to seniors, their relatives and the community, educates the community about the positive aspects of ageing, monitors government policy and services, and ensures that older people are receiving the care and service they require.
- Energy and water ombudsman victoria
The Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria investigates complaints about the actions of electricity, gas and water companies operating in Victoria.
- Office of senior victorians
The Office of Senior Victorians (OSV) coordinates policy and action across Government to promote the wellbeing and social participation of older Victorians.
- Public transport ombudsman
The Public Transport Ombudsman deals with complaints about Victorian public transport that members of the community have been unable to resolve directly with the public transport operators.
- Seniors information victoria
Seniors Information Victoria is a free and confidential advisory and information service for older people, their relatives and friends wanting information on issues affecting older people.
- State ombudsman
The State Ombudsman investigates complaints against State departments, statutory bodies and local councils.
- Support and housing for young people
SHYP provides transitional housing and support to young people aged 16 - 24 years old who are homeless (or are at risk of becoming homeless) in the City of Yarra and surrounding areas.
- Telecommunications industry ombudsman
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman deals with disputes that consumers have not been able to resolve with their telephone or internet service provider.
- Victoria legal aid
Victoria Legal Aid provides advice and information about how to use the courts and legal system. Pensioners and beneficiaries who require legal representation may apply for legal aid.
- Victorian welfare rights unit
The unit provides information about social security entitlements and helps people with the review and appeals processes.
