It's important to us that you can fully take part in the review and present your case. 

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can represent yourself and deal with us directly if you want to. Or you may want support with your review.

Yes, you can represent yourself. 

If you have questions about the review process, you can ask us. If we cannot answer your question, we may be able to tell you about where you can find other help. 

If you would like to find an advocate in your area you can Ask Izzy, via the Department of Social Services. 

If you’re representing yourself, we may contact you shortly after we get your application to talk about the review process. 

Representing yourself means that:

• we will send any information to you directly and not to anyone else
• you must attend all case events yourself.

A case event is a hearing, conference or meeting about your case.

You can ask a trusted family member or friend to be a support person. You will still be representing yourself, but this person can support you through the review process. 

A support person may:

• help you understand the review process
• attend case events with you
• help you apply for legal assistance or find a disability advocate.

Yes, you can ask someone else to represent you. Your representative could be a lawyer, a disability advocate or a trusted family member or friend. They should not have a financial interest in the outcome of your review. 

If you have a representative, you must give us their name and contact details. You can do this as part of your application for review. You can also do this by email or letter after you have lodged your application. You must tell us if there are any changes to your details or your representative’s details. 

We will send any information to your representative instead of you unless you tell us to send copies to you too.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case. We also can't pay for someone to help you or recommend anyone to help you. 

Yes. If you need an interpreter, please tell us. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist for free. 

For immediate support in your language, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service.

Phone: 131 450

If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication difficulty you can use the National Relay Service (NRS) to help you contact us.

Phone: 133 677

If you have a preferred Auslan interpreter or any extra needs for your interpreter, please give us those details in writing as soon as you can. It is not always possible for us to book your preferred interpreter. 

You cannot have a relative or a friend act as your interpreter during case events.

There are Aboriginal Legal Services in each state and territory. They may be able to refer you to support:

Australian Capital Territory: Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT

New South Wales: Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT

Northern Territory: North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency

Queensland: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service Queensland

South Australia: Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement South Australia 

Tasmania: Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service

Victoria: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Western Australia: Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia

If you have a disability and need support to take part in the review process, please contact us as soon as you can. We will do our best to help.

You, your family or friends may need other types of support. The organisations listed below provide help to people in need.

Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 

Phone: 13 11 14

1800 RESPECT provides 24-hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. 

Phone: 1800 737 732

The Attorney-General’s Department might be able to help with some of the costs of preparing for the review. 

To find more information about receiving financial assistance, visit the Attorney-General’s Department website.