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
South Queensland Law will have a solicitor visit the Toowoomba campus between 12pm - 2pm Wednesdays, when required, for all USQ students and staff from all campuses and modes of study. Appointments can be conducted face-to-face or via phone or email. To access this service, please contact a Welfare Officer to organise an appointment time. The initial 20 minute consultation is free, please note there may be ongoing fees following this consultation.
If you are looking for advocacy for issues like appealing a grade or you need advice about your rights as a student, the Student Guild has trained Member Services Officers who can assist you. Visit the USQ Student Guild website for more information on how to access this service.
Other Services
Toowoomba and Springfield students
The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) can also provide support. Phone +61 7 4616 9700 (Toowoomba) or +61 7 3712 7000 (Ipswich).
Fraser Coast students
For local legal support in the Fraser Coast region, please contact Taylor Street Community Legal Centre on +61 7 4194 2663.
Distance students
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.
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.
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 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.
