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Do I need legal advice?

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Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole)

After you contact the Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa to learn about the process, you will be encouraged to get independent legal advice before applying for an order.

It’s important to get legal advice because a cultural recognition order is permanent and impacts your identity and access to services such as education enrolment, banking, housing and medical support. Proving your identity can be difficult if you or your child has been culturally gifted without legal recognition.

How can I get legal advice?

You can get free and culturally safe legal advice from a Legal Aid Queensland lawyer.

You can call us in Cairns on (07) 4252 6800 or visit our office at Level 2, Cairns Square, 42-52 Abbott Street, Cairns.

We also visit Waibene (Thursday Island).

You can also call our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Line on 1300 65 01 43.

A lawyer can help you achieve your goal of getting cultural recognition and they act in your best interest.

What happens at the first meeting?

At your first meeting with your lawyer, you will need to fill out paperwork and provide documents relating to your application.

The lawyer will explain your options and the process for getting a cultural recognition order.

Anything you discuss with your lawyer is confidential and will not be shared with anyone except you and the court if needed.

Last updated 2 April 2025