Links for Support

Police Accountability Project > Police Complaints > Links for Support

Legal Support

If you need an interpreter: Call the Translating and Interpreting Service for an interpreter to help you speak to any of the agencies in this section. Ask the interpreter to put you through to the agency you need. This is usually free. For more information about the Translating and Interpreting Service visit their website here.

Tel: 131 450

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment: Use the National Relay Service to phone any of the agencies (including Victoria Legal Aid) in this section. This is free. For more information about the NRS visit their website here.

TTY users: Call 133 677 and then ask for the phone number you need. Include the area code.

Speak and listen users: Call 1300 555 727 and then ask for the phone number you need. Include the area code.

Internet relay users: Connect to the National Relay service via this link and then ask for the phone number you need. Include the area code.

Victoria Legal Aid

A list of local offices across Victoria can be located here.

Link: Victoria Legal Aid

Tel: 1300 792 387

Arabic 9269 0127

Croatian 9269 0164

Greek 9269 0167

Italian 9269 0202

Polish 9269 0228

Serbian 9269 0332

Vietnamese 9269 0391

Inner Melbourne Community Legal

Inner Melbourne Community Legal

Phone: 03 9328 1885

Address: 2/508 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC 3051

9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Please note, we are closed between 1-1:30pm each day for lunch. Our office is open by appointment only so please call before attending. We are unable to offer legal advice via email.

Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) merged with Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre (FKCLC) in 2022. FKCLC website and phone enquiries are redirected to IMCL.

More legal help

See a solicitor as soon as you can to talk about your complaint and other legal options. There is a 3 year limitation period on civil litigation.

Criminal Law
If you have been charged by the police and want advice and representation, you should contact a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. To find out if you are eligible for legal aid, you can call Victoria Legal Aid on 1300 792 387, Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

Criminal law firms who may be able to assist you (for a fee) include:
• Stary Norton Halphen 8622 8200
• Doogue O’Brien George 9670 5111
• Melinda Walker 9388 2711
• Fitzroy Legal Service 9419 3744
• Armstrong Legal 1300 168 676

Civil Law
If you want legal advice about suing the police for compensation for what happened to you, we recommend that you get advice from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. There are time limits that apply, and most cases need to be filed in court within 3 years of the incident or the injury. You should seek advice as soon as possible, because you may not be able to start legal proceedings if you leave it too late.

Private lawyers who may be able to assist with (no win/no fee) litigation include:

• Robinson Gill Lawyers: Police Misconduct Unit 03 9890 3321 or 1800 745 342

You are free to contact people on this list, or search elsewhere. These firms are listed because we believe that they undertake quality legal services in this area.

There may be other legal services who could also assist you. You may be able to find them through an internet search or through contacting the Law Institute of Victoria, on 9607 9311.

Federation of Community Legal Centres

Call to find out your nearest community legal centre or locate it here.

Link: Federation of Community Legal Centres

Tel: 9652 1500

Youthlaw

Link: Youthlaw

Tel: 9611 2412

Other services

Australian Human Rights Commission

Link: Australian Human Rights Commission

Complaints info line: 1300 656 419

Foundation House ( for people who have experienced torture and trauma)

Link: Foundation House

Tel: 03 9388 0022

Kids Help Line

Link: Kids Help Line

Tel: 1800 551 800 (free call)

Lifeline

Free, confidential and anonymous 24-hour telephone and online counselling service for young people.

Link: Lifeline

Tel: 131 114 (local call cost)

Office of the Public Advocate

Link: Office of the Public Advocate

Tel: 1300 309 337 (24-hour service)

TTY: 1300 305 612

Police Complaints chatbot

Developed by Josef Legal, Robinson Gill and FKCLC to assist people in Victoria making a complaint to either IBAC or Victoria Police regarding alleged misconduct by police or Protective Services Officers (PSOs).

Link: Police Complaints