Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Read about our reduced hours over the holiday period.
Contacting us over the holidays.

Notice for practitioners - obtaining consent for Centrelink access

We've made changes to the way lawyers can get a client's consent to access their Centrelink records.

Published:
Tuesday 4 July 2023 at 4:56 am

From 1 July 2023, practitioners can only obtain consent to access a client's Centrelink records in writing or by telephone.

Getting consent through email will no longer be available.

Email and telephone consents were originally introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support remote legal service delivery.

While the impact of COVID-19 has largely subsided, Victoria Legal Aid has decided to maintain the alternative process of obtaining consent by telephone, recognising the different ways that lawyers provide legal services and meet with clients.

To meet Services Australia requirements, practitioners getting consent by phone will be required to maintain a complete record in a specific manner of how the verbal consent was obtained and authorisation for the practitioner to lodge client applications through the ATLAS grants management system.

More information

Read more about the consents provided by telephone in the VLA Handbook for Lawyers

Please contact VLA Grants and Quality Assurance on (03) 9269 0600 if you have any further queries.

NewsLawyers news

Updated

Back to top
Legal Help Chat