Legal Resources
Current legislation, governing bodies, Federal Court judgments, and an e-library of essential documents — all updated as new laws come into effect.
Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C)
Regulates all lawyers in Victoria. Investigates complaints about legal practitioners.
Powers
Discipline and deregister lawyers
Order compensation up to $25,000
Investigate trust account breaches
Refer serious matters to VCAT
Use This Body When
When your lawyer has acted unprofessionally, overcharged, or misled you
How to Complain
Online complaint form at lsbc.vic.gov.au or call 1300 796 344
Judicial Conduct Division — Attorney-General's Department
Handles complaints about the conduct of federal judges, including Family Court judges.
Powers
Investigate judicial misconduct
Refer to Chief Justice for action
Recommend removal in extreme cases
Use This Body When
When a judge has been rude, biased, or acted improperly in your proceedings
How to Complain
Complaint to the Attorney-General's Department via ag.gov.au
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Oversight of FOI requests at the federal level and privacy complaints.
Powers
Review FOI decisions
Investigate privacy breaches
Order release of documents
Use This Body When
When your FOI request has been refused or important documents withheld
How to Complain
Apply for IC review at oaic.gov.au within 60 days of FOI decision
Victorian Ombudsman
Investigates complaints about Victorian government agencies including DHHS/child protection.
Powers
Investigate maladministration
Recommend compensation
Compel agency responses
Use This Body When
When a government agency like child protection has acted unreasonably
How to Complain
Lodge complaint at ombudsman.vic.gov.au or call 1800 806 314
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Handles discrimination complaints including sex, race, disability discrimination in court proceedings.
Powers
Conciliate complaints
Refer to Federal Court
Make public recommendations
Use This Body When
When you have been treated differently due to gender, race, disability, or parental status
How to Complain
Complaint form at humanrights.gov.au or call 1300 656 419
Children's Court of Victoria — Child Protection Division
Hears child protection applications from DHHS. Reviews removal decisions.
Powers
Review removal orders
Make supervision orders
Restore children to parents
Use This Body When
When your children have been removed or you are subject to child protection orders
How to Complain
File a response or application at the Children's Court at 365 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne