Profile
Consumer Credit Legal Service (WA) Inc (CCLSWA) commenced operation in February 1991 as a specialist community legal centre advising Western Australian consumers in the area of banking and financial services. We are a not for profit charitable institution. CCLSWA provides advice and representation to consumers in WA, as well as taking an active role in community legal education, law reform and policy issues affecting consumers. The Service also works together with other consumer advocacy organisations around Australia to address issues that are of national concern.
CCLSWA is funded by the WA and Commonwealth Governments through the Community Legal Services Program, and receives assistance and support from individuals and agencies.
The Service provides free legal advice to the Western Australian public over the telephone through the credit helpline. The Service also provides a substantial amount of telephone advice to financial and rural consellors.
Where appropriate, the Service represents clients in legal proceedings in the courts and State Administrative Tribunal. The Service also assists consumers to access dispute resolution bodies such as the Financial Ombudsman Service, Credit Ombudsman Service and the Magistrates Court.
CCLSWA is also active in the area of community legal education. Through the use of the media, seminars and publications, the Service is able to raise general public awareness of consumer rights in the area of credit, banking and financial services. In addition to educating the general community, the Services takes an active role in training financial counsellors and other community workers through seminars on legal issues and input into training materials.
CCLSWA also provides a consumer voice in Western Australia in relation to policy issues such as proposed reform on Western Australian courts and tribunals and proposed reforms of Western Australian legislation, and nationally on issues as as reforms to the Consumer Credit Code. Other key policy activities are directed at lobbying for changes to unfair industry practices.
Our Mission Statement
- To resolve consumer disputes with banks and financial institutions.
- To create awareness and knowledge of consumer issues involving banks and financial institutions.
- To change the culture of consumer credit.
Meet the Staff
- Centre Manager
- Vacant
- Senior Solicitor
- Alison Pidgeon
- Solicitor
- John Steers
- Solicitor
- Faith Cheok
- Solicitor
- Gerard Cleveland
- Administrative Support Officer
- Helen Jones
