Advice
Basic initial advice to help you understand the issue and consider your next steps.
What is consumer law?
Consumer law protects people when they buy goods and services. Problems can include faulty products, services that do not match what was agreed, disputed charges or difficulty obtaining a remedy. The right next step depends on the purchase and the problem.
Keeping receipts, the terms of the purchase and records of your communication can help explain a complaint. Depending on the issue, the supplier, a regulator, an ombudsman or a specialist legal service may be the appropriate place to seek a resolution.
Questions we can discuss
- Problems with a product or service.
- Understanding a consumer contract or disputed bill.
- Raising a complaint and keeping relevant records.
- Identifying a suitable complaint or referral pathway.
How we may help
- Help you understand the consumer issue and possible next steps.
- Discuss how to raise a basic complaint and organise relevant documents.
- Consider referral to a specialist consumer service.
- Assess whether help with a letter, form or further action is available, depending on your matter and our resources.
What level of assistance can we offer?
We assess each matter individually, taking account of its suitability and our available resources. An enquiry or appointment does not guarantee ongoing assistance or representation.
Referral
Information about another legal or support service when specialist help is needed or we cannot assist.
Further assistance
A specific legal task or ongoing casework may be available, decided case by case and subject to resources.
What we do not do
- Commercial or business matters.
- Conveyancing, real-estate transactions and property ownership disputes.
- Personal injury claims and WorkCover.
Our introductory consumer assistance is for personal legal problems. We do not advise businesses about commercial contracts or run commercial disputes.
Prepare for your appointment
- Bring receipts, contracts, warranties and relevant photographs.
- Bring correspondence showing what you asked the supplier to do and their response.
- Tell us about any response deadline.
Talk to us
Contact Southport Community Legal Service to discuss an appointment.
Call 03 9646 6066, 0490 934 661 or 0440 131 920.
Email [email protected].
Further information
This page provides general information. Ask for advice about your own circumstances. Information reviewed September 2026.