





Basic Rights Queensland (BRQ) is a specialist community legal centre, providing free advice, advocacy and legal services across Queensland.
Our committed staff, volunteers and students assist vulnerable people in matters relating to social security, disability discrimination and women’s employment issues.
We Provide
Help with Centrelink
We provide free information, advocacy and legal services on Social Security (Centrelink and Employment Services).
Disability Discrimination Assistance
We provide advice and resources to protect your rights and help resolve disability discrimination matters.
Working Women Qld
A free, confidential & supportive service designed to help vulnerable women seeking help with work-related matters.
Mental Health Legal Help
Legal support for people with mental health issues and referrals to specialist community legal services for mental health.
Where an issue has an impact on the broader community we may develop and conduct community education activities, and/or undertake research informing law reform projects where we advocate on behalf of the community.
- Basic Rights Queensland’s specialist services are accessible via freecall numbers from anywhere in Queensland.
- BRQ’s client work focuses on vulnerable and disadvantaged people:
- 55% of our clients are people with disability, including mental illness
- 97% of our clients are in very straitened financial circumstances
- 14% of our clients have no income at the time of contact
- Basic Rights Queensland’s social work services are offered to clients in need of brief counselling or linking in with local supports
- BRQ’s plain English factsheets support understanding of the law, how to access rights and any related responsibilities
- BRQ’s capacity-building training assists community, private sector and government workers to understand the law and how to assist their clients
- BRQ’s law reform activities arise from the client work; they focus on informing government of the impacts of laws and policies on vulnerable people and on offering positive alternatives
- BRQ has been operating for over 33 years with the support of volunteers, sponsors, donors and pro-bono assistance
Basic Rights Queensland: News
Invitation to Basic Rights Queensland 40th celebration
We are thrilled to extend this invitation to Basic Rights Queensland 40th celebration on Tuesday 17 June 2025. BRQ is hosting a trivia night at The Wickham Hotel (5.30 – 8pm) to commemorate our 40th year supporting vulnerable people in our state. We would love for our legal and social sector communities to join us … Read More
Read MoreIt’s time for Paw Reform: National rules for assistance animals
At Basic Rights Queensland, we know how much assistance animals can change lives. They provide independence, confidence, and connection for people with disability—supporting not just physical tasks, but emotional wellbeing, social participation and safety. But too often, people who rely on assistance animals face discrimination, refusal of entry, or are forced to defend their rights … Read More
Read MoreBridging the justice gap for Queenslanders living with mental illness
Basic Rights Queensland (BRQ) has lodged a powerful submission to the Productivity Commission’s review of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, highlighting the urgent need for specialist legal assistance for people living with mental illness. Read our submission The submission paints a stark picture: Australians with mental health issues face serious and complex legal … Read More
Read MoreIn 2023-24, Basic Rights Queensland helped 3,618 people access 10,998 services.
By percentage, our clients identified as:
Get Help Now: Call Basic Rights Queensland from anywhere in Queensland.
Make a booking for Telephone Advice here.
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm