Senior lawyers like Caitlin and Cassandra help to deliver our International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Service (ISEALS).

International student’s ask for legal advice in many situations. These are some of the Frequently Asked Questions;

Employment

If you have any concerns or questions about your work, you can make an appointment at the legal service for a work check-up. Here are some of the common questions student ask:

• How many hours can I work?
• My boss has asked me to work with an ABN – is this legal?
• I haven’t been paid – how can I get my unpaid wages?
• What is the minimum wage in Australia?
• I’m not being treated fairly at work – what are my options?

Accommodation

Having access to secure and affordable housing is important. International students who live in rooming houses or share houses, often don’t know their rights as renters or what support is available. Here are some common reasons why students seek legal advice;

• My landlord won’t return my bond, what can I do?
• My rent has been increased, is this legal?
• There’s a problem with where I am staying – what can I do?
• What are the minimum standards for a rental property?
• My landlord has changed our property arrangement without my consent – what are my rights?

Understanding Your Tenancy Rights

Study Melbourne and Tenants Victoria have created ‘Know Your Rights’ a webinar series that explains renting in Victoria, from the start to the end of the tenancy cycle.

The series aims to help renters understand their rights and obligations and to provide helpful tips on how to identify and troubleshoot common problems.

• What is a tenancy
• Starting a tenancy
• Common problems during a tenancy
• Ending your tenancy

 

Flood Recovery Assistance

Through the Study Melbourne Hub, affected international students can access support and material aid on 1800 056 449 (free call from landline phones 24/7).

Students can also call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Remember to keep up to date with the latest advice on flood risks and high-risk weather with the VicEmergency website and to check VicTraffic before travelling for updates on road closures, hazards and to consider alternate routes. Local flood guides can also be found on the VICSES website.

Flood hardship support is a Victorian Government funded financial payment for temporary visa holders. This includes international students who are experiencing financial hardship and whose work has been impacted by recent floods in Victoria. To make an application visit the Australian Red Cross website.

As part of these efforts, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has prepared the attached Easy English booklet called ‘How to get help in natural disasters’ ( PDF, 2594.42 KB).

This document explains in an accessible way what financial assistance is available to people impacted by a natural disaster:

1. Emergency Relief Payment
2. Re-establishment Assistance