Advocacy Services

As a law graduate and law clerk, my work, includes regular legal representation and advocacy, which qualifies me as a professional advocate under this definition i.e. 62(8) VCAT Act: Definition of Professional Advocate.

Hourly Rate: usually the law firm bills me out at $300ph, but $149 is standard for advocacy. I usually charge 1hr initially plus any case disbursements and the rest on successful case outcome.

Advocacy Areas of Practice

1. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

a. Civil Division

  • Consumer disputes: faulty goods, service complaints, and refunds (just email me complaint and I will provide direction via email and the FPP member can process the complaint themselves if item is <$500), then they can donate to FPP what they like – limited assistance
  • Building disputes: construction issues and renovations; Following case types of advocacy fees paid as the case progresses.
  • Owners corporations: body corporate fees and rules
  • Property disputes: deposits, contracts, and co-ownership disagreements

b. Administrative Division

  • Reviews of government and council decisions
  • Licensing & registration appeals; building trades, motor traders, conveyancers, legal and health practitioners, teachers
  • Firearms and working with children licence appeals
  • FOI decisions: challenging denied access to documents

c. Human Rights Division

  • Discrimination: race, gender, disability, religion, harassment
  • Guardianship: appointments for individuals with impaired decision-making capacity
  • Mental health: reviews of treatment or detention orders

d. Planning & Environment Division

  • Planning permit disputes
  • Environmental and zoning matters

2. AFCA Complaints – Banking & Insurance Disputes

I can lodge complaints with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on behalf of clients, particularly against banks and insurance companies.
  • I may request compensation for advocacy services
  • The issue is resolved for the client of FPP
  • Payment for services comes from the resolved compensation
  • Any amount above and beyond the client’s entitlement is shared

3. WorkCover Tribunal – Work Injury & Employer Misconduct

I assist injured workers in disputes with employers refusing compensation or acting unconscionably.
  • Includes unsafe work conditions, unfair treatment, or refusal to pay entitlements
  • I advocate before the relevant Workcover tribunal

4. Fair Work Commission – Workplace Disputes

Representation for employees who have been:
  • Unfairly dismissed
  • Harassed or bullied at work
  • Treated unfairly by employers
I advocate before the Fair Work Commission, with a focus on early resolution and justice.

5. Magistrates’ Court – Personal Injury Compensation

I advocate individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries, often due to:
  • Accidents
  • Negligence
  • Unsafe conditions

Pro bono basis:

Most work is conducted free of charge.

Initial commitment:

I generally require 1–2 paid hours at the start of the case to ensure the person is genuine and values the support provided.

Exceptions are;

  • VCAT Human Rights, Rental/ Housing Commission & Workcover (Pro Bono until compensation paid)
  • Students, Pensioners and Unemployed; pro bono until compensation settlement paid and then payment due
  • AFCA (1hr Paid at start)
  • VCAT – Building, Property, Planning, and Administration (Licences) – client pays monies into trust account at the start of case or as the case progresses.

Final Note: Let’s Empower the Community

Through a sustainable, fair model that supports both individual rights and community welfare, I aim to deliver meaningful advocacy with real outcomes. If your group or community requires support or wants to raise funds through advocacy, feel free to reach out.

Enquiry Form