It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case. 

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly and represent yourself if you wish. 

However, you may want assistance and 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 are representing yourself, someone from one of our registries may contact you, either by telephone or in writing, shortly after we receive your application to talk about the review process. 

Representing yourself means that:

• we will send any correspondence to you directly and not to any other person 
• you will be required to attend all case events yourself.

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

A support person may:

• help you understand the review process 
• attend case events with you 
• assist you to 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 appoint a representative, you must give us their name and contact details. You can do this as part of your application for review or 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 correspondence to your representative instead of you unless you tell us you also want copies of all correspondence.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case, pay for someone to assist you or recommend a particular individual or organisation to help you. 

Yes. If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. 

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. For National Relay Service, please call 133 677. 

If you have a preferred Auslan interpreter or have additional requirements for your interpreter, please provide those details as well as any relevant contact details to us 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 that may be able to refer you to appropriate assistance:

• Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia 
• North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service Queensland
• Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
• Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
• Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service
• Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement South Australia

If you need any necessary accommodations or assistance to enable you to participate effectively in the review process because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help you.

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. 

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