International Students - Advocacy Services and Your Rights

Advocacy services are available to help you to ensure you receive your rights in essential areas including as a student, employee, under the law, as a consumer and as tenants. Remember you can also always get advice from the friendly NAPS Student Services staff for any issue, not only those related to your studies.

The ESOS Framework protects the rights of international students. https://www.teqsa.gov.au/esos-act

The Council of International Student Australia (CISA) is the national peak student representative organisation for international students including those studying at private higher education providers such as NAPS. It was created to form a unified voice to advocate for all international students in Australia.

If you are an international student who wishes to get part-time or casual work, first be aware of the restrictions under your visa. Contact the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81 or visit their website.

Legal Advocacy for International Students

The International Student Legal Service NSW, funded by StudyNSW, gives free, confidential legal advice to international students living in New South Wales. International students in NSW can get advice about housing problems, fines, debts, car accidents, employment, discrimination, family law, domestic violence, and complaints about colleges or universities. We can also advise how these problems affect student visas. 

Call them on (02) 9698 7645 or use their online form. Free legal advice is by appointment on a Wednesday evening, either in person, by phone or using video-link up. The use their free telephone interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

You can also receive free advice at LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au, or the Redfern Legal Service at https://rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students.

Workplace Rights in Australia

Everyone working in Australia should have access to basic rights at work including minimum pay and conditions for any job, no matter how long you stay in Australia.

Take the time to find out about your entitlements. Your minimum pay and conditions can come from an award, agreement or contract. These are legal documents that say what your employer is required to do and what you are required to do as an employee.

Workplace related information can be found from the Fair Work Ombudsman via NSW Fair Trading | NSW Fair Trading (Multi-languages assistance is available). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides advice to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.

Legal Rights in Australia

Students should have a general familiarity with their legal rights available to everyone in Australia.

NSW Fair Trading provides advice on avoiding unfair business practices and how to handle disputes on issues such as rental bonds, shopping refunds, product safety, scams and more. NSW Fair Trading provides many tips for consumers online and a free smart app. For further information, please refer to NSW Fair Trading | NSW Fair Trading 

If you work, you will need a Tax File Number(TFN). To obtain a TFN, call the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61 or visit www.ato.gov.au. You need to give your employer your TFN so you do not pay the highest rate of tax. Please keep your TFN private and secure to prevent identity theft.

Everyone working in Australia should have access to basic rights at work. Workplace related information can be found from the Fair Work Ombudsman via www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Youth/International_students.page  (Multi languages assistance is available). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides advice to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.

Legal Advice and Advocacy

Various legal and community centres in Sydney provide free, confidential advice about housing problems, fines, debts, car accidents, employment, discrimination, family law, domestic violence, and complaints about colleges or universities.

To find a community legal centre near you, visit https://applications-au.neotalogic.com/a/clcnsw-recommendation-service 

Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services

The Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services provides assistance and advocacy to all tenants, particularly social housing tenants or the vulnerable. To find your nearest Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, visit https://www.tenants.org.au or call 8117 3700.