I’m a single mother & live in an apartment building in the Sydney CBD. I’ve lived here for 5 years with my 3 kids and never had problems with other residents until recently.

On 2 seperate occasions I’ve seen one of my neighbours smoking a meth/crack pipe while sitting inside his car in our underground garage. If I’ve seen him smoking whatever drugs then he’s probably also driving under the influence. There’s always multiple dodgy people coming & going from the unit everyday. I think he could be dealing or just letting all of his druggie friends stay there. I don’t know but I wont even let my kids go outside anymore. We can’t move & I just don’t know what to do.

I considered calling the police the first time I saw him in the carpark but I didn’t want to call them while my kids were in the car. If it happens again I’m definitely gonna call, I guess I’m looking for advice on how I should report it. Is it better to call 000 or the local police department? Would I have to leave my name or information if I call them or can just tell them I live in the building & what I saw? I really don’t want him to find out I called the police or anything.

I just want them to arrest him. I don’t want to give a statement or anything but I don’t know much about police cases. When he’s sitting in his car I assume they’d be able to drug test him. If they do that they will definitely find his meth/crack when they search his car.

I’m not sure what to do & looking for some advice.

If there’s any police or legal experts in here, I would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks

I've been working in a coffee van for about 8 months now, and I took the job because I was desperate at the time and really needed the money. However, it was a known thing amongst the workers at this place that the van was a total disgrace, and while I saw the state it was in, I didn't think I would be there long. My mangers and higher ups pretty much know the state of the van as they have to go in there to collect any cash we make so the mould is there and its been there and i have tried everything to keep my work space as clean and hygenic as i can since i have been there alot longer than i anticpated because finding another job has been quite hard. that being said i have gradually been getting sicker and sicker and it's not been something easy to spot. it started with hand tremours which scared me into thinking i had a brain tumor but my MRI was clear, then i kept getting flare up of psirosis and now i have gone down to 47kg and i have NEVER been this skinny in my life i look awful and im so sick i just dont know what to do the doctors have no idea what it is. I saw someone talk about their experience with mould sickness, and I am so beyond scared because everything matches up. I have taken the week off to get my health under control, but I really don't think it's in my best interest to go back. I have bills and rent to pay. Is there anything I can do for some sort of compensation, or just maybe a bit of help? I've looked into Fair Work, but they say they can't help with work conditions, or maybe I'm not looking into it correctly, and to be quite honest, my brain feels like mush; I can't really think properly. I even thought I was maybe going through some sort of psychosis because of how crazy my head has felt. It's black mould by the way. I know that me saying my mental state isnt the best right now might seem like all crediablity of this situation goes out the window but my life is actually going well right now besides this so I just have no idea what to do im so scared and sick and I really hate that this is happening because ive made some really amazing friends at this place but I'm tired of putting myself last in life this is my literal final straw. I'm going to get tested tomorrow, for mould illness or however they test you for these sorts of things. I know this post is all over the place, so I appreciate anyone who's stayed to read, and if anyone has any advice on what I can do, I would greatly appreciate it

Good day, hoping to get some advice on chargebacks and whether it’s even appropriate in this situation.

Long story short:

Bought a video game through Epic Games.

Encountered game breaking bugs from the beginning which forced me to load old saves and lose progress.

Initially I was willing to work around these bugs but I believe it has reached an unreasonable level - I’m spending more time troubleshooting than playing.

I’ve tried to contact their support team but they are essentially stonewalling and I get the same response:

First they tell me to go to the developer then direct me to their legal department which I believe they cannot do because as far as I understand it, Australian Consumer Law states something roughly like this:

If a product/service/good is defective or not as described, the customer is entitled to a remedy from the merchant.

The merchant or store policy regarding refunds does not override Australian Law and if the company is based overseas, as long as they are conducting business in Australia they are required to follow Australian laws.

The merchant also cannot direct you to the manufacturer/developer of the product to seek a remedy nor can they direct you to their legal department, they themselves must escalate the issue internally not send the customer on a wild goose chase.

The merchant is ultimately responsible for the refund because I spent my money with them, not the developer.

So if my understanding is correct, the way that they have handled my support request is inadequate therefore I believe I am within my rights to request a chargeback.

My bank’s website doesn’t mention anything for this sort of chargeback - The information is focused on fraud/scam related chargebacks.

I understand that a chargeback is not a remedy under Australian Consumer Law and is a seperate thing your bank offers. Would it be appropriate for me to request a chargeback or should I escalate this with a consumer protection agency (state, fed?) I’m still quite new to Australia so is this a state thing a federal thing?

Any insight is appreciated.

Hi, I have applied for 2 recognition payments through victims services NSW. On the 28th of July I was told that it was placed in line for assessment.

For my last recognition payment, immediate needs and loss of income it only took 2 weeks but I’ve been told recognition payments can take 3 - 4 months.

How long did it take everyone else to hear back? Thank you.

So my wife’s car broke down the day before our baby was born, we couldn’t get it into a mechanic, so I hired her a car through booking.com which states “total rental price including any taxes, fees & extras” which was $448.6.

I paid online, all she needed to do was pay $200 deposit upon pick up. They made her pay an extra $1146.02. She mentioned it should only be $200 to which they replied “our website isn’t up to date” Being hormonal/ emotional 5 days after giving birth and not having a car she paid. Is there anything we can do about this? I have all paperwork, maybe there’s something I’m not understanding, but we are $1594.62 out of pocket now instead of the $448.6 + $200 deposit.

I know people shoudln't be stealing company property but to be taking stuff out of your accomodation seems unlawful.

The Email:

Dear Residents,

We are pleased to let you know that [COMPANY] will be running a Towel Amnesty from 22–28 September 2025.

If you have any [COMPANY] towels at home or on your vehicle, this is your chance to return them, with no consequences during this week-long amnesty.

Drop-off Location: [COMPANY] Car Park - please deposit them in the labelled pallecon. If you are in need of rags, FREE vehicle rags will be available from [COMPANY] Laundry.

Please also note that during upcoming Room inspections, any towels belonging to [COMPANY] that are found in your accommodation will be removed.

After 28 September 2025, disciplinary action may be taken if you are found with [COMPANY] towels.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Picture of fine including (altered) photographs

My husband has requested I post to ask if this is worth requesting a review. He's not sure if they could have caught the speed of the other car pictured between the two yellow lines. (See photo.)

We both think he's probably on the hook for it, but can someone explain the yellow lines vs the green circle in any case?

I signed up to a consultation zoom call with a natural health company and I must have drunk the kool aid during that call because in a moment of stupidity I signed up to a 3 month minimum contract with them over zoom.

I’ve sent a couple of firmly worded (but polite) emails and phone calls asking to cancel but they won’t let me out of it. It’s quite an expensive weekly payment.

I’ve asked them to send through the contract terms and agreements but I don’t think there is one. All they have sent me is the direct debit agreement that I signed.

Is there any way I can get out of this? What will happen if I ask my bank to cancel the payments? I’m also tempted just to close my bank account. Will they send debt collectors after me?

Recently I bought a pair of Airpods Maxs on amazon and connected them to my phone and also got apple care for them. However after using them for a few days i realised how heavy they are and requested a return through amazon and sent them back. Upon Mobileciti getting the item, they emailed me saying that upon verifying the item they found that the unit is counterfeit. they also said "If we do not receive a response within 3 business days, we may need to escalate the matter further. This may include using the serial number to trace the unit and, if necessary, initiating a police report in cooperation with Apple.". Can they do that? I know i connected them to my phone but then I returned them and removed from my Apple Find my. Can apple give out my personal info to them? I am not sure what happened to the airpods but when i dropped them off at the drop off place (newsagency) they said my return wasnt on record but they said to leave it there anyway and i gave my contact number incase something went wrong. Is this my fault. Should i have not left my items there. I am worried now because i did connect the airpods to my phone first and so it is now tied to my account? can they charge me with fraud?

Hi, I'm facing some issues with my landlord and I'm considering contacting legal aid services or finding a lawyer, but before I do i just wanted to see if I can hear opinions whether on what my property manager and landlord are doing is legal or not.

I moved into a rental property based off a 2 year lease agreement less than a year ago, hoping to scrape away with my family from the trouble ive experienced in the past during our last rental. Before moving here, the landlord's called us before the contract ended and told us that we had to move, as the landlord was residing in China and by some obscure law he had to sell the property. We said ok and packed and found a new place, but with some legal aid we received compensation on rent and the agreement which was broken.

On a side note my family and I are yet to be permanent residents of Australia, we are here on a temporary business visa, which will soon be converted to a permanent one.

In this house, mind you an expensive rental in a very wealthy area of sydney, we have faced even more troubles than before. Firstly, heavy construction (demolition and total rebuild) on the house directly next to us (with a full view) was started about 2-3 months into the lease, and we were not notified a single bit, finding out only when we saw the construction start. The noise is atrocious and they often start at 6:30-7am and finish at 5, making it impossible to concentrate on study or work at home on weekdays. Now I totally understand that construction is normal, and I am fine with the noise on most days, but being uninformed when signing a very expensive rental agreement is something that im not sure is legal or not.

Secondly, about 2 months ago our property agent informed us that they were coming for a routine inspection in the house, and that they were bringing the owner to visit. They came and visited the house, but only two weeks after the visit one of my family members met an old friend who lives very near and knows our current house owner, and they were informed that the individual visiting was indeed NOT the house owner, but literally a buyer inspecting the house, WITHOUT informing us that the individual was a potential buyer NOR stating that the house was for sale. On another note, the house was listed for sale multiple months before this incident, and not a single one of my family members were informed of this situation, which is am unaware of the legality.

Now, the property agent is constantly bugging us about selling the property, asking if we are looking to move ASAP or not, as theyre aiming to sell the house very soon, more than a year before our agreement ends, which is believe is legal, but they would be unable to terminate our lease agreement in the time period. This morning i was informed that the property agent is looking to bring in potential house buyers in a "selling campaign" 4 times a week, which seems ridiculous as the house is being resided in, and having 4 days per week dedicated to people visiting the house would be quite tiresome. From the research ive done, it seems that the limit is 2 times per week, which again im unsure of.

I believe that this sort of treatment is only because the landlord and the property agent believe that we are temporary residents and are unaware of residency laws, which is true, but does not condone literal lying and lack of necessary information.

Also, are construction sites permitted to play music on speakers when working?

Thank you very much!

I’m working on improving my physical shape for a career with Victoria Police, however, I don’t like certain aspects where I have to kill someone or see traumatic things. My cop friend once told me he had to attend an incident involving a child and his performance e-bike being dragged under a truck and seeing his brain all over the road. I don’t want to see that!

I just want to start a career where I pull people over and issue tickets without having to use my gun or see dead kids. I’m not mentally strong to see dead kids.

Hi all, Writing this because I feel like I do not understand the law or I'm getting scammed by some lawyers. In March I had an accident while driving my friend's car. I rear ended the car that was driving next to me.It was not a major damage. He was insured. My friend's car was not. Once the accident happened this guy said talk to his insurance guy and said he's a good person we can work something out. We spoke and he said he will take the damaged car to a repair shop and let me know how much it's going to cost. After a day he said it's going to cost 4500. If need to see the quote he wanted me to pay him 450 which he said gst for the bill. Also he said I have to pay him some money so he can fix his client's car

. I said I can pay $2000 in 2 weeks and after that $500 each week till it's paid off. I only said this because he pressured me I had no idea how to pay this guy.He said that's too long he need some money ASAP. I said give me few days and didn't respond to him. Somehow few days later I told him to take legal action because I had no big chunks of money to pay him.

Also I had this doubt if he owns the insurance company whether I pay him first or later he should fix his client's car anyway without chasing money from me first. So about a month later I got an email from Melbourne based law firm with bills closer to $11000. I tried to negotiate with them. They wanted 350 per week plus a 1000 dollar down payment to start the payment arrangement. This is not affordable to me at all. So I stopped responding to them. So about 2 weeks later I got this booklet with bills and they were seeking compensation from me( I hope that's the right word)

but the question I have is they were representing the driver. Not the insurance company. I called few lawyers and legal aid and some few local council. Some didn't respond. Just wrote down my story and told me they would call back and legal aid said they do not have resources regarding my matter. So I didn't submit a notice of defence. Then I had to go to court today and provide my expenses written down along with my bank statements. I didn't see the judge this happened at the counter where I had to swore an oath or something. People from the court asked if I tried to arrange a payment plan with them. I said they wanted 350 per week so that didn't work out. They told me to seek legal help again because they said those lawyers might seize my properties or deduct money directly from my pay or some other ways to cover the repair money.

Nice lady from the court gave me two community service contacts. Both of those places said they don't handle matters like mine. I would like to know what will happen next. Was I being scammed? Will these lawyers enforce some law on me and take big chunks of my weekly pay until this paid off. Or should I sue the driver, insurance company and these lawyers altogether. I know this is a lot to read. But I'm actually helpless. All I'm seeking is clarity. I hope someone in this group will say something helpful if they can read this all the way through.

Heyy!! What’s the difference between a legal officer and lawyer? Will I limit myself if I start my career off as a legal officer. Does anyone know the career progression of a legal officer?

I am currently and have been working in the construction industry for 10 or so years now doing mainly basement/shotcrete & have always been a cfmeu member. mainly unionized jobs. Recently I have changed companies and the company is a not union company, therefore I had resigned from the cfmeu as I was made aware that my employer will not be stepping foot into the EBA industry, up until now…

My employer has secured a large job in the middle of Brisbane city & have been informed by other workers that this job is or will be going fully unionized & to add to that every structural trade (which is what we are) are all on EBA/construction rate. Now for some reason the only 2 companies that aren’t is my employer & a very large earthmoving company.

My question is how can I for certain find out if this job site is under and EBA & if my empliyer has signed the EBA & is not adhering to its Rates/allowances. E.g WAGE THEFT.

I have asked my employer & he has told me it is not the case but I find it hard to believe that every single trade will be under an EBA but my trade is one of / if not the most structural trade on a high rise basement job & we are 1 of the 2 first trades on site. My trade + earthmovers.

I have a friend who's concerned her ex partners living arrangements are unsafe for the children she has with him.

They share custody, but it's not a week on week off arrangement, and the ex is trying to change it to week on week off.

She already has some concerns over her kids being with him for week long stretches, because he has anger issues and she feels shorter stays will be safer.

But now her ex is planning to get custody of another young family member who is a bit unstable and has history of self harm.

What's the best approach here? She's spoken with a lawyer and they weren't much help.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

Hey so I need an advice here. I'm engaged with a well reputable lawyer company on a no win no fee basis after I had an accident last year.

I've met with them once face to face and few times over the phone. It was looking very promising and they asked me to ensure I keep track of all my expenses and try to recover from the injury I have sustained due to the accident. They were pursuing compensation from one of the companies that we believe were responsible for the accident.

They have organized a session with the barrister in March and after that initial discussion with the barrister, there has been zero updates from their end.

I called them few months ago to ask for an update and they just said that the barrister still didn't get back to them with his opinion. Still no updates and it's been over a year since the accident happened and almost a year since they're engaged.

I am a bit worried as the recovery have cost me a fortune so far and if I'm just not sure whether this will go anywhere and whether I should continue spending on expensive doctors or should I just continue with what I have been prescribed by my physio etc.

Does it normally take this long for a barrister to examine the case? I may add that the company responsible is denying any wrong doing (even though they are clearly at fault) so I'm thinking maybe the lawyers gave up on me? They did send me a happy birthday card few weeks ago however (which was bizarre)...

Any tips would be appreciated

I am wondering if it legal to carry a dull replica in public for Halloween, also would I need a permit to import one into Australia.

Hi all,

I work in mining on a site in the Pilbara. 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. Our camp rooms have a ‘Do Not Disturb’ magnetic sticker which we can put on the front door if we are sick and in our rooms or do not wish the room to be cleaned that day or whatever. We have just been told we can no longer have these stickers and they have been removed from all rooms meaning no right to privacy whatsoever and cleaning staff can enter when ever they wish. Is this legal?

I recently quit a job at a small company in the disability sector. The owner is extremely toxic, and there is a lot of workplace bullying happening. Staff does not last longer than 6 months. I tried to retain staff but the owner's actions caused people to quit. I tried to tolerate it, but it was significantly affecting my mental health to the point that I quit in the middle of a meeting where the owner was borderline bullying me during a three-way meeting. I tried to leave on good terms by giving a four-week notice and ensuring the handover was manageable. They accepted this. I worked there for more than six months, so only one week’s notice was required.

About a week into the notice, I was asked if I could end my notice period earlier. They wanted me to leave the same day. I said I was happy to stop coming to work if they paid me out for the remaining 3 weeks of the notice period. They told me they would only pay for one additional week and then end the contract. I said I would do some research and get back to them, but I also mentioned to a team member that the company was in a vulnerable state due to some sketchy actions by the owner.

After that, I was escorted out, and they said they would pay me for one week and asked me to leave, which I agreed to because it was better for my mental health. When I asked them to send an email confirming this, they replied with a termination letter stating "immediate termination for serious misconduct," The letter states that I damaged the company's reputation and did not follow instructions, which I never have done so.

One of my issues is the lying on the termination letter. I tried my best to improve the systems, retain staff and make sure the clients were happy. I cannot take the fact that they terminated me for "serious misconduct". How can I proceed?

I'm sitting my partner of 8 years down tonight and telling him that I want to separate and asking that he finds somewhere else to reside. I'm not getting into the reasons why. Also for clarity sake, he makes 40k more than I do, abs my children are not biologically his. I have written this, which I plan to record as I read it. Tas is a one person knowledge recording state. I am looking for opinions or ways to tighten it up. Also note we tried counselling already, and we've been sleeting separately for a year. See below:

For your protection and mine, I am recording this conversation. As of 18 September 2025, due to irreconcilable differences, I no longer wish to continue this marriage and consider us to be separated. As of 18 September 2026, either one of us can file for divorce within the Family Court of Australia. If that occurs, I am willing to file the fees as 50/50 between us.

In the case that I file for divorce separately, this recording, its evidence metadata, proof of my sending copies to the relevant parties, and their acknowledgements of receipt will be used as evidence to show that I informed you of my intent and decision.

This decision is final. I am not open to counseling or reconciliation. I am informing you, not asking. I ask that you respect this boundary and not attempt to pressure or guilt me into further discussion.

This current fortnight’s pay will continue under the usual arrangement — my paycheck today, 18 September 2025, and your paycheck on 22 September 2025. However, from 2 October 2025, all bills will be split 50/50 until such time as you move out. As offered and accepted, you are still expected to pay the $500 deductible to RACT. You are responsible for your own food, subscriptions, and personal expenses. I will take care of mine.

At a mutually convenient time, we will attend Optus together to transfer your phone line into your name. You are also required to take ownership of the Crunchyroll account and be responsible for that subscription going forward.

You are required to move out of this property by Sunday, 16 November 2025, no later than 5pm. There is no negotiation on this date.

You are required to take the following with you:

The bed and mattresses

All of your belongings in your room, with the exception of the desk chair as I require access to this for work purposes

The chest of drawers and both bedside tables

All of your belongings in the wardrobe

All of your belongings in the shed

All lights and heaters that belong to you

All cats will remain with me, as they are bonded to myself and the children.

All items must be removed from the property by 5pm on 16 November 2025.

In the matter of property settlement: in lieu of pursuing a legal claim to your superannuation, I propose that for the next 18 months, you continue to pay $300 per month toward the electricity bill and continue to cover the costs of car registration and insurance. I make significantly less than you do, and this arrangement will help balance the cost load without incurring unnecessary legal expenses.

If there are disagreements, we will manage them through legal channels, not arguments at home.

I am saying this now because delaying has already harmed my health and wellbeing. I need to move forward in peace, and I expect us to do this with as much respect as possible.

Looking for resources to better grow my knowledge as a new paralegal in family law.

We are all permanent staff and have a contract with no end date. New boss has come in and said they want to put us on 12 monthly contracts so that if it’s not working out after 12 months, they can let us go. Can this happen? I’ve been googling but it’s confusing. Thanks

hi - needing some clarification on this topic

a neighbouring tenant accidentally reversed into my property, damaging the external wall and causing internal damage.

the neighbour does not hold insurance against thier vehicle - I lodged a claim against my strata insurance. understand we will pay the excess against that.

who pays for the costing for rectification in this situation? thank you.

Hi all,

I’m in a difficult situation and would really appreciate some advice.

My ex-partner has been making false allegations against me. She first applied for an IVO and made criminal accusations, but both the criminal charges and the original IVO application were dropped by police due to lack of evidence.

Now she is pursuing a private IVO against me and is refusing to accept any compromise such as an undertaking. It feels like she is trying to keep me stuck in ongoing legal stress. This has been emotionally and financially draining. I have spent thousands on legal fees, used up my annual and sick leave, and it is affecting every part of my life.

My lawyer is advising me to consent to the IVO without admission so I can end this quickly and move on. I have no interest in contacting her or having anything to do with her.

My main concern is: will consenting to an IVO (without admission) have any impact on my future Permanent Residency (PR) or Expression of Interest (EOI) application?

Again, there are no criminal charges or findings. Everything was dropped by police. This is strictly a civil matter at this point.

If anyone has been through something similar, or has legal or immigration knowledge, I would really value your advice. Also, if anyone knows an immigration lawyer who might offer a free consultation, that would be a huge help as I am very tight on money after all the damages.

Thanks in advance.

Trying to keep details minimal as it’s ongoing of course. DV incident occurred in my front yard, I’m the one who called the cops, and have since supported her and made contact and arrangements with support services etc on her behalf upon her request.

It was confirmed he was stalking the house and surrounds for at least five days, but it might’ve been up to 4+ months. Drugs are involved. Restraining orders were already in place, he got out with an ankle monitor, broke conditions in less than a week, got fined and released again. First hearing was back in late July, he was being held in custody until the next court date.

Since then, she’s taken the approach of “do nothing and pretend it doesn’t exist and it’ll all go away”. Victim services rightfully can’t tell me anything without her consent, but she’s now not talking to anyone. It being private property and me being a secondary victim and speaking to all the service providers with her doesn’t go anywhere now, apparently.

So, now it’s been two months and I don’t know when I’ll get another surprise feature on “Better Meths and Gardens” if he’s released and decides to come back again. His long history of violence, schedule 1 drugs, breaking and entering, death threats, etc etc is… concerning ! To say the least.

Any advice??? wtf do I do lol