SELF REPRESENTATION SERVICE (QCAT)

Induction 2010

QPILCH

Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House: Non-profit community legal service Partnership – law firms, barristers,

QLS, law schools, CLCs Legal referral agency Direct assistance services – HPLC,

RCLC, SRS

Self Representation Service Service in Brisbane District and

Supreme Courts established in late 2007. Now also Qld Court of Appeal

Established to meet recognised need – a public interest issue

Continuing success of Service is clear

Expansion to QCAT

Similar service, slightly different impetus. Large multi-jurisdictional tribunal

conducts matters in a way that is “accessible, fair, just, economical, informal and quick”.

Estimated 35,000 people involved in proceedings each year.

Outcome of proceedings will often have serious consequences on the welfare, dignity and daily living of people involved.

Scope of Service

Child protection and education Anti-discrimination Guardianship and administration Right to information and information

privacy Manufactured homes Residential tenancy Retirement villages QCAT Appeals

Who? Where? How?

Eligibility for assistance: Means Merit

Level 11, Bank of Qld building, Queen St. Office space Interview room

Appointment based Applications for assistance received and

assessed Appointments made and files created

Insurance: QPILCH

QPILCH professional indemnity policy Solicitors must hold a practising

certificate Solicitors must comply with QPILCH

policies and procedures

Before appointment session Client and Case Summary

Conflict check Overview of client’s matter Outline of assistance required

Firm responsibility to keep commitment to appointment sessions

At appointment session

Arrive at 1.50pm QPILCH lawyers, not firm lawyers A maximum of 3 client appointments Treat client the same as you would any

other client, but also be aware of client’s particular needs

Create record of appointment on file progress and advice sheet

Assistance provided

Discrete task assistance to assist people to: understand the law, their legal rights and

the perspective of the other party and perspective and requirements of QCAT;

observe QCAT rules and processes; be aware of potential orders and the effect

of not complying with orders; and present their case in the best possible

manner.

After appointment session Inform QPILCH staff:

Of any queries or concerns about clients’ matters

Whether clients require ongoing assistance/a further appointment – the best option for further assistance

Of any urgent follow up work that needs to be undertaken, or referral that needs to be made (eg. for representation through QPICLH referral scheme)

Law Reform, training and other involvement Policy/law reform - reflective of

casework

Training

Walk for Justice May 17, 2010

Questions?

QPILCH contacts

QPILCH www.qpilch.org.au

Coordinator: Andrea de SmidtEmail: srs.qcat1@qpilch.org.au

Solicitor: Allira ThompsonEmail: srs.qcat2@qpilch.org.au

Paralegal: Sam Boyle Email: hplcadmin@qpilch.org.au