LegalGuidance Australia

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria

👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: 6/179 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
Phone: 396705088.
Website: consumeraction.org.au
Specialties: Legal services, Consumer advice center, Credit counseling service, Non-profit organization.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Opinions: This company has 9 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 3.8/5.

📌 Location of Consumer Action Law Centre

Consumer Action Law Centre 6/179 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
☎️396705088

⏰ Open Hours of Consumer Action Law Centre

  • Monday: 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Consumer Action Law Centre: A Comprehensive Resource for Consumer Protection

For individuals seeking robust consumer protection and expert legal guidance, the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) stands as a leading non-profit organization in Victoria, Australia. Established to address the complexities of consumer law, the CALC provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower consumers and hold businesses accountable. This detailed overview will explore the organization’s mission, services, location, contact information, and the positive feedback it consistently receives.

Location and Contact Information: The Consumer Action Law Centre is strategically situated at 6/179 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Individuals can easily reach them by telephone at 396705088. Their website, consumeraction.org.au, offers a wealth of information, resources, and access to online tools. They also maintain a wheelchair-accessible entrance, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all users.

Specialties and Services: The CALC’s core competencies encompass a wide array of services vital to consumer rights. These include:

  • Legal Services: The organization provides expert legal advice and representation in consumer law matters. This can range from disputes with retailers and service providers to complex claims related to misleading advertising and unfair contract terms.
  • Consumer Advice Center: A dedicated team of consumer advocates offers free, impartial advice to individuals facing consumer-related issues. They assist clients in understanding their rights, navigating the legal system, and resolving disputes effectively.
  • Credit Counseling Service: Recognizing the significant impact of debt on consumers, the CALC operates a specialized credit counseling service. This service assists individuals struggling with debt management, offering strategies for budgeting, debt reduction, and negotiating with creditors.
  • Non-Profit Organization: As a registered non-profit, the CALC is driven by a commitment to social justice and consumer welfare. All its services are provided free of charge, funded through grants, donations, and legal fees.

Opinions and Reputation: The Consumer Action Law Centre has garnered a consistently positive reputation within the community. Currently, they boast 9 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. These reviews highlight the organization’s helpfulness, expertise, and dedication to consumer advocacy. Clients frequently commend the CALC’s approachable and empathetic staff, as well as their effective legal support.

Key Features and Benefits:

Feature Description
Expert Legal Advice Comprehensive guidance from experienced consumer lawyers.
Free Services All services are provided free of charge to eligible clients.
Impartial Advocacy The CALC acts as an advocate for consumers, ensuring their rights are protected.
Debt Management Support Specialized assistance for individuals struggling with debt.

Detailed Information for Prospective Users: Individuals considering utilizing the CALC's services should familiarize themselves with the following information:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: The CALC primarily serves residents of Victoria, Australia. Eligibility for legal representation may be determined based on financial circumstances and the complexity of the case.
  2. Service Request Process: Clients can contact the CALC via telephone or email to request assistance. A preliminary assessment will be conducted to determine the scope of the issue and the appropriate level of support.
  3. Types of Cases Handled: The CALC handles a diverse range of consumer law cases, including:
  • Contract Disputes: Issues related to unfair contract terms, misleading representations, and breaches of contract.
  • Consumer Guarantees: Claims under the Australian Consumer Law regarding defective goods and services.
  • Debt Collection Practices: Advising consumers on their rights when dealing with debt collectors and creditors.
  • Financial Misconduct: Assisting clients in investigating and pursuing claims of financial fraud or misconduct.
  • Telemarketing and Door-to-Door Sales: Providing advice on the legal requirements for telemarketing and door-to-door sales activities.

Overall Recommendation: The Consumer Action Law Centre is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking consumer rights protection and legal support in Victoria. Its commitment to providing free, impartial advice and representation, combined with its experienced team of advocates, makes it a trusted and reliable partner for consumers facing a wide range of challenges. The convenient location, accessible facilities, and readily available online resources further enhance its accessibility and usability. For those needing assistance with credit issues, the CALC’s credit counseling service is particularly beneficial. We strongly recommend exploring their website and contacting them directly to determine how they can assist you.

👍 Reviews of Consumer Action Law Centre

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
C J.
5/5

I initially gave Consumer Action Law Centre a poor review after I spoke with a solicitor who said that she would telephone me back after she consulted a manager for the correct legal advice. It appeared that she was not going to call back as it took quite a long time, but when I received the promised phone call the legal advice provided was very useful and helpful. The solicitor concerned was courteous and pleasant and it was to her credit that she checked with a senior colleague to ensure that the legal advice she provided was accurate. I was encouraged to phone back if I required additional help and advice. Greatly appreciated.

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Leonie N.
1/5

If you want help don't go here. Very unprofessional and have actually given me WRONG advice in the past. When I needed additional help it was refused. My suggestion is if you are going to VCAT avoid ALL solicitors, especially young ones who don't know what they're talking about. Solicitors are nothing but crooks who will bleed you dry. Leonie Chester

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Sally G.
1/5

I score them 000000000 zero. They ask for all the documents to send it (BOUGHT A LEMON CAR) "ONLY FOR THE NEW SOLICITOR'S EXPERIANCE TO LEARN"
give you hope of their help, then a few weeks later get a phone call asking "DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE, HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOUSE" .
Then another few week later another phone call saying "SORRY WE CAN'T HELP YOU" giving "WRONG LAW SECTION " .
By asking a REAL solicitor, you know YOU HAVE A CASE ACCORDING TO THE RIGHT LAW SECTIONS.
I advice the goveroment to save the tax payers's money and close Consumer Action Law.

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Liz W.
2/5

The 'review' would not be publicly posted if the website provided an email feedback facility. One goes round and round on the website and the only mechanism for email is for administrative purposes only.
Recent news that the Consumer Action Law service saw the Virus as cause to delay introduction of the Hayne recommendations legislation due to the virus is met with cynicism.
There are longstanding issues which could have been selected with no adverse effects re the virus.
Please note the following, in relation to the above.
Subject: Insurers seize on crisis to delay Hayne
It is well to report on the crisis for delays Insurers claim are cause for a 'pause' in new legislation. As a pensioner claimant whose event occurred before cyclone Debbie, drought, floods and bushfires and still awaits claim resolve; the excuses are met with cynicism.
Awaiting profit reports and Insurer share price will tell a more meaningful story.

Besides the waiting legislation, one wonders how much it would help if passed, given that existing laws have not been implemented to their maximum potential with weak regulators.

Even the Consumer Action Law Centre claims to promote the introduction of new laws for consumer benefit when it could have gainfully assisted consumers by showing pathways to resolve claims through existing consumer trading laws ( including the law of the merchant). Insurers are not immune to common law of which section 182 of the 'Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 is one.
VCAT may preside on that.

With regard to unfair terms in contracts; section 13 of the Insurance Contract Act requires that Insurers act in 'utmost good faith'.
'Utmost good faith' ,it is understood, overrides any occasion where an unfair contract is employed.
Why is this consumer protection under utilised?
Why does the Consumer Action Law Centre go through the motions of providing submissions in the name of consumer benefit without assisting by exploring the current options readily available and easily published on it's website?

The cosy affairs appears to suit the microcosm of numerous employees on good reliable employment terms in these bodies 'talking' ad infinitum and producing little by way of real action and change.

Weak application of existing laws is more detrimental to progress than the introduction of new laws.

The fact is, that Corporate Australia is too big and influential to prompt law enforcers to act with the needed courage.

The use of online communications re the transferral of documents such as PDS is readily made ambiguous at times and does not assist that well in mounting a solid case when things go awry.

Reverting to hard copy for the purposes of
legal action and record keeping may not be as
time consuming and wasteful as might be presumed.

A few choice test cases in the future hopefully may assist.

Elizabeth Wirtz
Cape Woolamai.

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Wyatt V.
5/5

Gee wizz these guys are actual life saves. By jingo are they the hero's of our legal studies class. Would recomend 10 out of 10

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Cindy V.
5/5

I got in touch to clear up some doubts about excessive charges from the bank. They gave me the option of a translator into my language and they guided me

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Marcus D.
5/5

Best legal advice recommend them very highly

Consumer Action Law Centre - Melbourne, Victoria
Lachlan H.
5/5

These people got a little old lady out of a pickle. Saved her house from loan sharks.

Go up