The Brisbane office offers a telephone advice service once a week.
Do you have a legal question or need advice? If our Factsheets or Community Litigants Handbook can’t help you, you may be eligible for free advice from one of our experienced solicitors and volunteers via our weekly telephone line.
Advice guidelines
Due to our limited resources, we cannot assist every group or individual who seeks our help. Before making a request for legal assistance, please consider the following:
- Is the matter concerned with environmental protection?
- Is the matter in the public interest?
- In determining this, the EDO needs to be satisfied that the issue has significance beyond the material or financial interests of a particular individual or group.
- Is private legal assistance beyond the means of the applicant?
If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, we may be able to offer you legal advice.
Meet the guidelines?
Download and complete an intake sheet and return to us via one of the options listed below. Once we have accepted your application, you will be added to the waiting list for assistance.
DOWNLOAD THE INTAKE SHEET
| Email to: | [email protected] |
| Mail: | 3/28 Donkin St WEST END Qld 4101 |
Our casework guidelines
The following criteria are used to assist EDO staff in determining an appropriate level of assistance to be provided to clients both as part of the general casework of EDO and for cases identified as suitable vehicles for strategic legal development.
Among the issues to be considered when deciding to take on a case are:
- The precedent value of the case
- The capacity and commitment of the client
- The likelihood of irreversible high impact on environmental values
- The prospects of success
- Will the action promote or guarantee preservation, conservation or integrity of species and ecosystems or habitats?
- Is the matter the subject of considerable public debate or concern?
- Number of people affected by these issues
- Failure of authorities to enforce the law
- Complexity of the case
- Availability of expert evidence/assistance
- Does EDO have the capacity to run the case and continue to carry on other business?
Time limits for damages
To safeguard your private rights to sue for damages to persons or property we strongly advise that you consult a private lawyer specialising in those areas right away as there are strict time limits for commencing such actions.
The time limits are generally 6 years after damage to property and 3 years after personal injury, however, there are other laws that make the limitation periods shorter in some cases. If you do not commence action within the time limits your right of action may be permanently lost.
Law Right, (formerly QPILCH), has a range of services providing free assistance in civil law matters. If you have suffered a personal injury because of someone else’s actions, Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private solicitor for advice or representation.
Client rights and responsibilities
EDO respectfully acknowledges we live and work on Aboriginal land. We strive to offer our services to traditional owners to assist in the protection of their country and welcome inquiries.
Client’s Rights
As a client of EDO you have the right to:
- be treated with respect and courtesy;
- receive a professional service from qualified staff and volunteers;
- make a complaint and to have complaints dealt with in a fair manner, see below;
- confidentiality being maintained around personal information you share with EDO. Your personal information will not be released outside EDO unless you have given permission or if we are required by law. Link to privacy policy.
At EDO we place high expectations on our staff, volunteer lawyers and law students to provide high-quality services to our clients and to ensure that clients are treated fairly and with respect at all times.
If you wish to acknowledge someone who has been particularly helpful, or if you are not happy with the service provided to you, please let us know.
You have a right to make a complaint about:
- any information given or action taken by a staff member of volunteer of our office ;
- the personal behaviour of a staff member or volunteer of our office;
- the physical amenities or administration of our office.
Feedback and complaints can be communicated to the Chief Executive Officer of EDO in writing using the contact details listed on this page.
As a client of EDO you have a responsibility to:
- treat staff and volunteers with courtesy and respect; and
- provide information to assist EDO Qld so we may effectively advise you – see above for casework guidelines
