Resources

Redfern Legal Centre supports the NSW coercive control reform but argues that criminalisation alone is insufficient—success depends on changing police culture, systems, and practice to properly identify and respond to financial and economic abuse as a core component of coercive control. The submission recommends extending the mental element to include recklessness and broadening the offence to all domestic relationships in principle, but only after evidence shows the current offence is being implemented safely and effectively.

This factsheet guides Waterloo South tenants through relocating to Community Housing, explaining that while tenancy rights and rent‑setting (25–30% of income) remain similar to Homes NSW, CHPs have their own policies on maintenance, pets, transfers, and modifications. It highlights key practical differences, including water usage charges, the role of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (which increases gross rent but not out‑of‑pocket costs), the requirement to report income changes within 21–28 days.

RLC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the inquiry, noting it will focus on the more covert forms of racism embedded in systems and institutions, rather than only overt incidents. Given RLC's expertise, the submission addresses Terms of Reference 5 and 6. RLC is based in Redfern, NSW, and while some services are catchment-based locally, others are statewide; it doesn't provide legal services outside NSW but does advocate on laws and policies more broadly, including federal ones. The submission draws on NSW casework and was prepared in consultation with ACCOs and First Nations leaders, including Louise Hammond ("Aunty Lou," CEO of MYRC), and clients whose case studies are included.

This factsheet explains your basic rights and responsibilities if you are stopped by police while driving. It outlines when police can pull you over, what information you must provide, and your rights during searches, testing, and other interactions. It provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice

This factsheet by Redfern Legal Centre explains your rights when police come to your home.

Financial hardship happens when unexpected events make it hard to pay bills or loans on time. You can ask your lender for a hardship variation, such as reduced or delayed repayments, paused interest, or waived fees. If your lender refuses, you can continue paying what you can and challenge the decision through the lender’s complaint process or the free Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Lenders must follow responsible lending laws, and if they gave you a loan you couldn’t afford, you may be entitled to have it changed, partially or fully written off, or receive compensation. This factsheet provides guidance but is not legal advice.

This factsheet explains your rights when police stop, question, or search you, and how to respond safely while protecting yourself legally.

Submissions authored by RLC’s Financial Abuse Service: Submission to the Attorney General’s Department’s consultation on a bankruptcy Minimal Asset Procedure (August 2024)

Feedback provided to the Attorney General’s Department (AGD) on amending the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (Family Law Act) with a view to introducing law and procedures that prioritise safety, clarity and efficiency in family law proceedings.

The Economic Abuse Reference Group (EARG) welcomes the release of the Exposure Draft Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2024: Buy Now Pay Later (the Bill) and the Exposure Draft National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment (Low Cost Credit) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations).