Christmas and New Year service changes
If you or your family are at risk of harm, please call police. For emergencies, call 000.
If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please call one of the following services:
Legal Aid Queensland office closures
The following Legal Aid Queensland services will be closed from 2pm Friday 22 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive:
- All Legal Aid Queensland offices
- Legal information line
- Natural disaster legal help line
- Indigenous hotline
- Grants enquiry line
- Duty Lawyer lines
- Counselling Notes Protect line
These services will resume on Tuesday 2 January 2024. View our office locations and start times.
Youth Advice Hotline
- Closed from 11:59pm Sunday 24 December
- Reopen at 8am Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 December 2023
Your Story Disability Legal Support
- Closed from 2pm (AEST) Friday 22 December 2023
- Reopens Tuesday 2 January 2024
For counselling support, up until 31 December 2023 you can contact the National Counselling and Referral Service (Blue Knot) by phone at 1800 421 468, by email, webchat or visit their website.
For support, after the 31 December 2023 you can contact the Blue Knot Helpline by phone at 1300 657 380, by email or by webchat. The Helpline is for survivors of abuse or trauma, and their supporters. You can visit their website at Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service
Defence and Veterans Legal Service
- Closed from 2pm (AEST) Friday 22 December 2023
- Reopens on Tuesday 2 January 2024
How to get help when we are closed
Domestic or family violence
If you're experiencing domestic or family violence, please call DV Connect on 1800 811 811. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Child safety
If you're concerned about a child’s safety, please contact the Child Safety After-hours Service on 07 3235 9999 or 1800 177 135.
Family law matters
For urgent family law matters, such as the removal or recovery of children, please contact the family law National Enquiry Centre on 1300 352 000. You can also connect via live chat between 8:45am and 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Going to court
If you have been arrested and are in custody waiting to appear in court, or you are required to go to court during the Christmas/New Year period, authorities may arrange for you to meet with a Legal Aid Queensland duty lawyer.
Help for people with hearing or speech difficulties
- National Relay Service, TTY (speak and read, type and read or type and listen) on 133 677
- Voice relay number on 1300 555 727
- SMS relay number on 0423 677 767
Please visit the National Relay Service website for other contact numbers and links.
You can also access free publications and find legal information on our website.