Public Interest Advocacy Centre Sydney

Published Wednesday, 13th June, 2018 | By Susan AKA Peacefull

There has to be a government and community overview of those vulnerable in our community who are not represented. They are particularly vulnerable given homelessness, poverty and low education as rights are not known to them. If we are as a society serious about stopping abuse and violence we must start to discuss equality in our society and the double standards we witness when those in positions of power, influence have greater say. Every person is of equal value in my book of humanity. Good to see some lawyers who actually care about fairness. These are the ones that interest me. It says a lot about who they are.

PIAC at a glance

PIAC tackles difficult social problems that impact on the lives of many Australians. We conduct test cases and strategic litigation in the public interest, and provide legal assistance, policy advice and training to create positive change to the lives of people who are disadvantaged and marginalised.

Strategic litigation

Changing the system through public interest test cases

Indigenous Justice
Mental Health and Insurance
Police accountability
Asylum Seeker Health Rights
Discrimination and human rights
Government and the rule of law

Homeless Persons Legal Service

Breaking the cycle of disadvantage for people experiencing homelessness

Legal help at 15 outreach clinics, staffed by over 500 pro bono lawyers
StreetCare: advocacy and practical advice to government and service providers

Energy and Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program

The voice of energy and water consumers in NSW

Research and policy development to promote affordability and sustainability
Representing consumer interests in regulatory processes

Policy and law reform

Working with government, business and the community in the public interest

An influential and authoritative voice in the media
A respected stakeholder, making submissions of substance

Training for Social Justice

Developing community capacity for effective public interest advocacy

Social Justice and Practising in the Public Interest courses for University students
Training for individuals, government and NGOs on advocacy, media skills and best-practice service delivery to vulnerable communities

International Projects

Supporting transitional justice: the Conflict Map and Archive Project (Sri Lanka).

Collecting, preserving and analysing evidence of potential human rights and international humanitarian law abuses to promote truth, justice