Welfare Rights Centre Inc

What we do

The Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre that provides independent information and free legal advice to individuals about Social Security and Disability Discrimination Law. We may also provide legal representation.

The following services are provided by our centre’s committed staff, volunteers and/or students.

Legal advice, initially by telephone
Distribution of printed information about disability discrimination and social security.
The centre may be able to provide additional support and or representation in a relevant tribunal or court. This is subject to the centres guidelines and resources.
If we are unable to assist we will endeavor to find a suitable service

Where an issue has an impact on the broader community we may:

Develop and conduct Community Legal Education activities.
Participate in social policy and law reform processes.

Who can access the services

Our service gives priority to those who cannot afford a private lawyer and/or do not qualify for Legal Aid.

Services are provided to people who live in Central and Southern Queensland, and for Social Security matters we extend down to Coffs Harbor in NSW.

Where do we get our Funding

The Welfare Rights Centre Inc. (WRC) is able to undertake its work through ongoing funding from the Commonwealth Attorney Generals Community Legal Centres funding program and through ongoing financial support from the Legal Aid Queensland.

Additional funding has been made available to us from Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund, Queensland Law Society and the Community Gaming Benefit Fund and the Electrical Trade Union. With the ongoing support from the community we are often able to exceed our targets and provide a quality service to the community.

We are independent of Centrelink and all government departments.

The WRC is a charitable organisation and donations are greatly appreciated. All donations over $2.00 are receipted and are tax deductible. If you would like to make a donation please call our administration line on 07 3421 2510.

Management

Whilst staff are responsible for the day to day operations of the service, WRC is governed by the Management Committee which is elected from our membership on an annual basis. This committee meets on average 10 times a year to steer the organisation into a viable and effective future. The committee is guided by our Vision, Mission and Values statements

Vision

The Welfare Rights Centre Inc. strives to alleviate hardship caused by poverty and discrimination by challenging societal structures to achieve an inclusive society.

Mission

The Welfare Rights Centre Inc. is committed to increasing the community's access to justice by; providing a specialist advocacy service in the areas of social security and disability discrimination law, advocating for fair and just decisions, and challenging unjust laws, institutions and community values.

Values

The Welfare Rights Centre values:

the inherent rights of all people to natural justice
the rights of disadvantaged people to access legal services
the rights to a reasonable income which will allow participation in the community
diversity and tolerance
ethical practice principals in the development, delivery and leadership of the organisation and its services
the pursuit skills and knowledge necessary for the continued growth and development of the organisation, its staff and volunteers
independence from political and religious influence

Client Feedback

Constructive feedback and complaints are treated with respect and in accordance with our Client Charter. If you are not happy with the service you should speak to your caseworker or solicitor. However, if you prefer you can write to the Co-ordinator who will carefully consider your issue and respond to you within two weeks.

If still dissatisfied, you can write directly to the Management Committee who will address your correspondence when they next meet.

Management Committee

Terry Stedman - President

Greg Marsden - Vice President

Cameron Thomas - Secretary

Kathie Grigg - Treasurer

Tracy Worrall

Jenny Medland

Mark Ryan

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Welfare Rights Centre Inc please contact Nicole O'Keane on 07 3421 2510 or download this form and mail to Welfare Rights Centre, along with your payment, using the contact details on the form.

Memberships are $5.00 per year.