Legal
The USQ Welfare service offers support to students who may have concerns about their legal rights and responsibilities. If we are unable to provide an answer we can put you in touch with someone who will.
Some of the common issues that students may face include:
- issues with residential tenancy agreements and/ or issues with landlords/ leases
- traffic offences and disqualified licences
- experiencing violence in a relationship
- accused of breaking the law or charged with a crime
- unfair treatment or discrimination
- consumer issues, blacklisting or struggling with debt collectors
If you find yourself facing any of these situations, contact Student Services and make an appointment with a Welfare Officer.
Legal Advice
Depending on your circumstances, you can also contact Legal Aid Queensland for free legal advice. You can contact them on 1300 65 11 88 for free advice over the phone, or visit Legal Aid Queensland to find your closest office.
Have a look at Understanding and Accessing Free Legal Advice (PDF* 212KB) for more information on how Community Legal Centres can help you.
Toowoomba and Springfield services
The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) can also provide support. Phone +61 7 4616 9700 (Toowoomba) or +61 7 3712 7000 (Ipswich).
Fraser Coast services
For local legal support in the Fraser Coast region, please contact Taylor Street Community Legal Centre on +61 7 4194 2663.
Distance services
Outside of these regions, you can contact a local Community Legal Centre. Visit the National Association of Community Legal Centres to find one in your area.
Justice of the Peace (JP) services
Sometimes you may need to speak to a JP or a Commissioner for Declarations (C.dec) to witness documents (like statutory declarations, affidavits for example). The USQ Welfare Service hosts JP’s during the semester periods on Wednesday lunch times from 12pm – 1pm on the Toowoomba campus in The Hub.
Outside of this time, you can contact a JP from USQ staff or find a JP within your local community.
Rental Disputes
Should you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, make an appointment with a Welfare Officer who will be able to provide you with some resources and point you in the right direction if you need further assistance.
You could also contact the Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA) directly for any specific concerns about your circumstances.
*This file uses Portable Document Format (PDF), which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe. Note: users who are unable to access information in the above format should contact the Welfare to obtain this information in an alternative format.
