Our purpose
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service supports Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, and their families, carers and supporters to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Who are we?
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service is a free national service that is independent of the Royal Commission, the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. We:
- give information and legal advice about taking part in the Royal Commission
- support Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, as well as their families, carers and supporters, and only give legal advice about individual matters
- will only share your information if you give consent
- can help you understand your legal rights when sharing your experiences with the Royal Commission
- can connect you with other services, including free counselling
- have staff across Australia who deliver a trauma-informed, culturally safe and accessible service
- are funded by the Australian Government through National Legal Aid
- we have a range of resources to support you to safely share your experiences with the Royal Commission.
What happens when you call 1800 33 1800?
Your first call to our Infoline (1800 33 1800) is a brief phone call to understand your needs and how you would like us to communicate with you.
On this phone call, we can provide basic information about engaging with the Royal Commission, direct you to our free resources, post factsheets and information to you, or book you into an appointment with one of our lawyers, anywhere in Australia.
You can stay anonymous for basic information, but we can give personalised legal advice if you choose to share more details. We do ask to collect some non-identifying information, like your suburb and how you found us, so we can make sure we are reaching all parts of the ADF and ex-ADF community.
What happens with a lawyer appointment?
When we book you in for a appointment with a lawyer, we can offer you a consultation by phone or audio-visual link and we will give you a definite date and time when our lawyer will contact you. Further contact can be by phone, audio visual link, email or post, depending on your choice.
Our lawyers will be able to advise you on any issue that concerns you. You will not need to repeat the details of the experience you want to share with the Royal Commission, unless you want to. We can help you in a trauma-informed way and will make this as easy for you as possible.
All advice from our lawyers is private and covered by lawyer/client confidentiality. We will not share any of your details with anyone.
Getting our assistance does not commit you to any actions. Our service puts you in control of if and how you engage with the Royal Commission.
Last updated 7 March 2024