Smiling Policeman Down Under / Law Society contact numbers

The thing to remember about the Police is this - they are ultimately there for your protection and to uphold y our rights - so it makes good sense to treat the Police with courtetsy abnd respect. In fact you will find in all your dealings with the Police, polige conduct will go a long way.

Here's something else to think about as well....

If you are arrested and charged with an offence you will eithe be released on bail or remanded in custody. In most States the Police might also take your photographs and fingerprints for indentification. If you are finger printed or photographed and after found not guilty, you can demand to have the prints and photographs destoyed.

Just a final word. The Police have one of the toughest jobs around. The best way you can help them perform their duty is to co-operate with them, after all, the Police Force like all government services is there to serve you. Sty cool and try to help wherever possible.

Freedom

When you turn 16 in Australia is is recognised that you are legally entitled to handle extra freedom and responsiblities, altough most rights become available at 18.

**At 16, you also qualify for unemployment benefit although if you are a school leaver you must wait six weks for this . Certain contracts entered into by a young person between 16 and 18 would probably be recognised - for example renting a flat or purchasing on credit -however anyone dealing with a person of this age would normally require a parent or someone over 18 to guarantee the obligation.

At 18 you are entitled to many more rights. You can vote and have your say in the country's political system. In fact you must entrol and vote in elections once you are 18. You can do other things like drnk in a pub or buy alcohol legally, get married or leave home without your parent's permission, have a punt at the TAB, or watch any kind of movie you want.

Don't forget, with all this extra freedom comes extra responsiblity. You cant really have one without the other. From now on you're mature enough to be held fully responsible for your actions. It is important not to make big decisions lightly, especially ones which will affeect your whole life (like mariage, finance agreements or a car or house purchase).

Contracts and money

Even if you are under 18 you can still be bound by agreements you make depending on the circumstances. You should always t hing twice before committing yourself to making regular payment on something you want to buy.

Anyone under 18 can also open a cheque acocount with a bank provided they are thought mature enough to handle it.

Want to know more?

The best way to find out more about your rights is to telephone the Law Society in your State (contacts) They can steer you in the right direction.

If you need help about a specific problem, the Law Society in your State can put you onto the appropriate Legal Referral Centre or Community Aid Centre. There you can talk with trained legal people free of charge. Howver you should always make an appointment before you call as these centres can be very busy.

It could also be a good idea to buy a copy of "The Pocket Guide to t he Law" which is published by Bay Books in association with the Law Foundation of New South Wales. This handy little book contains at-a-glance information about most legal questions you'll want answered.

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