Legal Help and Safety
Australia’s legal system protects everyone in the country – including you, whatever your visa status. This guide explains your basic rights, where to get free legal help, and how to stay safe.
Your basic rights
- Equal protection under the law, regardless of nationality, religion or visa.
- Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability or age is unlawful in work, housing and services.
- If questioned by police you have the right to an interpreter and, in serious matters, legal advice.
- Police don't do random visa checks; report crimes against you - including theft, assault and exploitation - without fear.
Free legal help
- Legal Aid (every state): free advice lines and, for eligible people, representation.
- Community Legal Centres: free advice on tenancy, employment, family, debt and discrimination - many with multilingual services.
- Refugee and immigration legal services: free visa and protection advice for eligible clients.
- Interpreters are free at all of these.
If you are a victim of crime
Call 000 in emergencies, 131 444 otherwise. Victim support services in every state offer free counselling and help through court, with interpreters.
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Common questions
Find clear and detailed answers to all common questions about Migrants Hub Australia.