Select the Escape key to close the menu. Focus will then be set to the first menu item.
In this section
Disclaimer: This content is for general purposes only and not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, please contact us or speak to a lawyer. View our full disclaimer.
Legal Aid Queensland Phone1300 65 11 88 (for the cost of a local call from a landline in Australia) www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Community Legal Centres Queensland Phone 07 3392 0092 www.communitylegalqld.org.au Or look under “Community Legal Centres” in your local phone book.
Queensland Human Rights Commission Phone 1300 130 670 www.qhrc.qld.gov.au
If you need an interpreter to help you contact a service phone TIS 131 450
Title: Australia's legal system
Abdi: I want to be the Prime Minister! Then I can drive fast. Do whatever I like! Gahmal: No, even the Prime Minister has to follow the law. They can get a fine too. Abdi: OK, I’ll be a police officer then. Then I can make people do what I want. Gahmal: No, police can only ask you to do what the law says. They have to follow the law too. Abdi: So who makes the laws? Gahmal: Politicians make the law. Abdi: OK, I’ll be a politician. I’ll pay people and they will vote for me! Gahmal: You can’t buy votes in Australia! I’m 18 and next election I’m going to vote for who I think will work the hardest. No one can tell me how to vote. Abdi: Well, how about judges? Can we pay them to do what we want? I have to go to court soon. Gahmal: You will be in trouble if you try to give money to a judge. Even judges have to be honest and follow the law. Abdi: Ohhh, I’m so worried. What will happen in court? Gahmal: First the police talk, then you have a chance to tell your story. Then the judge makes a decision. Abdi: But I don’t know what to say. Gahmal: You can get a lawyer to help you. Abdi: But I don’t want everyone to know my problem. Gahmal: Lawyers have to keep everything private, unless you tell the lawyer that they can tell someone else. Abdi: But I don’t have any money. Gahmal: You can get free legal help, and a free interpreter. Abdi: Really? Cool, I think I want to be a lawyer.
Last updated 18 June 2020
If you have a general question for Legal Aid Queensland, please use the general question form or call 1300 65 11 88, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.