Specialist legal services
As well as our general legal services, we offer targeted programs for people with specific needs.
Clients often need support from other local counsellors, psychologists, advocates, drug and alcohol counselling support agencies. By working with these services, the clients can receive support through often traumatic experiences. Warm referrals from local service providers can streamline the process.
(Jennine, Solicitor, Tasc Roma Office)
Rural and Regional Women’s Law
We deliver a free service for women across rural and regional South West Queensland, called herREACH (previously known as the Rural Women’s Outreach Legal Service).
herREACH can assist you with issues relating to Family Law, Domestic and Family Violence, Civil and Consumer Law, and some minor Criminal Law matters. Appointments are available in person, by phone and videoconferencing.
[link to herREACH brochure – to be supplied]
Disability and Mental Health Law
If you are a person with disability or a mental illness, you have rights under the law.
There are circumstances where you can get free legal support from community legal centres like TASC.
This might include if you are facing a criminal charge or needing to attend the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT – link).
TASC can:
- Give you advice and represent you at Mental Health Review Tribunal Hearings
- Help you protect your legal rights under the Mental Health Act 2016.
- In some cases, we can give legal advice if you have a disability, acquired brain injury or mental illness and are going to court on criminal charges
Seniors Law
To provide older members of our community with access to justice, TASC runs the Seniors Legal and Support Service (link to content in Social Justice Services page).
This service offers legal support and social work assistance to people in Toowoomba and Ipswich who are concerned about or experiencing elder abuse.
It is a free government-funded service that is available to anyone aged over 60 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 years. The service is not means-tested and includes people who are pensioners, self‑funded retirees and people who are working.
Through the Seniors Legal and Support Service we can help with legal issues like:
- Elder Abuse – physical, sexual, emotional, financial, intimidation, violence, neglect
- Enduring Power of Attorney (link to blog currently on site)
- Advance Health Directives (link to blog currently on site)
- Grandparents’ rights
- Shared living arrangements, for example “granny flats”.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is complex and is still often hidden from sight.
The Queensland Government defines elder abuse as “a single or repeated act – or lack of action – occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person”.
Abuse is not always physical violence. It can be intimidation, like when a family member misuses an Enduring Power of Attorney or threatens their parent with not seeing their grandkids. It can be financial abuse, like spending an individual’s money without their knowledge or consent. It can be neglect.
People who are abused can feel shame and this can make it hard to disclose or tell other people about the abuse. It can be especially hard to speak up when the abuse happens at the hands of a spouse, child, carer or other trusted person.
There are complex, conflicting emotions involved. Sometimes people want to keep the relationship intact while wanting the abuse to stop. People are rightfully concerned about privacy. Cultural customs and expectations need to be considered.
In delivering the Seniors Legal and Support Service, TASC takes all these factors into account. When you contact the service you will be able to get both legal advice and assistance from a social worker. This means if you are facing abuse, you will get appropriate support even if you do not wish to take legal steps against a family member or other party.
What happens when lawyers, advocates and social workers work together?
TASC is one of a growing number of services that combine legal, advocacy and social work support in how we assist people.
If you have a disability, mental illness or an older person, when you come to TASC with a legal problem, our lawyers can make you an appointment with a TASC social worker or advocate.
Often legal problems are part of a set of difficult circumstances in your life. While you may initially come to us with a legal issue, we recognise you may benefit from counselling, emergency relief or other support.
Our advocates and social workers can talk to you about other supports that are available, for example if you are having difficulties with housing, employment, and more.
We find that our clients value this approach, because we can refer you both within TASC to suitable professionals, and to other organisations who can help you. This cuts down on the number of times you have to find a service yourself, or tell your story.
We only make referrals with your consent and full understanding. It is a team approach, with our lawyers, advocates and social workers working together with you, your family and support network, so you can make decisions and get assistance in your best interests.
Fast Facts
Disability Law Project
We provide free legal advice and representation for adults, children and young people who have mental illness, intellectual disability or acquired brain injury and who have been charged with a criminal offence.
How do I access the service?
Call 07 4616 9700.
When are appointments available?
Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.
What type of appointments are available?
One-on-one appointments are available by phone, video and in-person.
Who funds this service?
Legal Practitioners Interest on Trust Account Fund.
Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) Representation Service
TASC is part of a tender referral process for the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) to provide mandatory legal representation for people who are:
- Minors
- Subject to electroconvulsvive therapy (ECT); OR
- Where the Attorney-General is appearing.
Depending on capacity and resources, TASC may provide legal representation in MHRT matters in other circumstances.
How do I access the service?
Call 07 4616 9700.
When are appointments available?
Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.
What type of appointments are available?
One-on-one appointments are available by phone, video and in-person.
Who funds this service?
Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.
reachOUT Men’s Legal Advice Sessions
Every week, TASC runs the free reachOUT men’s legal advice sessions. In these sessions, our solicitors provide advice and information for men on domestic and family violence and family law matters, including a free phone helpline run every Tuesday and Thursday. Download our brochure for more information.
[brochure to be supplied]
How do I access the service?
Call reachOUT on 1800 948 145
When are appointments available?
Tuesday 9.30am to 1.00pm
Thursday 2.30pm to 6.30pm
What type of appointments are available?
One-on-one appointments are available by phone, video and in-person.
Who funds this service?
Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General and Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.
herREACH (previously known as the Rural Women’s Outreach Legal Service)
The Rural Women’s Outreach Legal Service, is a free program for women in rural and remote areas of South West Queensland. Women can call TASC and make an appointment for free legal advice, information and referrals on matters like divorce, parenting, criminal law, domestic and family violence, child protection, as well as civil legal issues like neighbourhood disputes and consumer credit problems.
How do I access the service?
Call 07 4616 9700.
When are appointments available?
Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.
What type of appointments are available?
One-on-one appointments are available by phone, video and in-person.
Who funds this service?
Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.