Tasmanian Law Handbook

Your online guide to the law in Tasmania

The Handbook is a teaching and learning resource accessible to everyone interested in the law, and anyone who is looking for some information about a legal issue.

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How to Use This Handbook

This Handbook is intended to be accessible to everyone. There are two ways of navigating the information it contains. Firstly the search function – located in top right corner of your screen – allows you to look up mentions of specific words and phrases. Secondly, the drop-down menu on the right of your screen lets […]

Disclaimer

The Handbook should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

No responsibility is accepted for any loss, damage or injury, financial or otherwise, suffered by any person acting or relying on the information contained in this Handbook or omitted from it.

COVID-19 – the Law in Tasmania

This section details the law around COVID-19 in Tasmania.

The Justice System

This section is useful for readers who are unfamiliar with key legal concepts (such as; legislation, common law and platforms to access legal information). In particular, this section looks at the many aspects of the criminal law, from courts to representation.

Criminal Offences, Penalties and Sentences

In this section, you will find information on some of the main areas of criminal law; police process of search, arrest, what happens after arrest as well as information on some of the main areas of criminal law.

Work and Workers

This chapter of the Handbook looks briefly at the rights and obligations of employers and employees, workplace health and safety law, and workers compensation. See the Work Safe Tasmania website for comprehensive information. Disclaimer

Equity and Rights in Society

These chapters look at rights and equitable access in law. These rights include intellectual property, rights of recognition and anti-discrimination, and legal protection.

Family Law

It is advisable to promptly seek legal advice when your family structure changes due a relationship breakdown. Family structure changes impact on various aspects of your life, including Centrelink payments.

Accidents and Insurance

This section covers negligence, motor vehicles and insurance. These are complex areas of law, and remember: legal advice is always nice! (when things are getting complex).

Wills, Estates and Funerals and Guardianship

This section provides practical information on many of the major matters involved in wills and funeral expenses. Also explored is guardianship laws in Tasmania.

Consumers, Money, and Debts

This section covers some basics of the Australian Consumer Law (e.g. guarantees and remedies, misleading and deceptive conduct, consumer protections), the legal framework of contract law (what is a contract and what does it mean if a person signs?), debt and bankruptcy.

Government, Administration and Justice

This section provides information on public law; the role of and areas covered by the Ombudsman, the right to information, privacy and appealing/challenging a government decision.

Income and Government Assistance

This section explores the law and obligations of superannuation and taxation as well as detailing the social policy and requirements to receive financial assistance from both the Commonwealth government and Tasmanian government.

Community and Environment

This section covers a large range of community and environmental topics, from neighbourhood disputes, immigration and citizenship and road rules for cyclists and skaters. See the headings for information on the specific issue you are seeking to learn about.

Housing – Renting and Buying

This section provides information on public housing, planning and development laws, selling and buying a house, and information on residential tenancy.

Medical and Mental Health

This section covers two significant areas: medical and mental health. This is a large area of law, ranging from medical products through to committal orders for mental health issues.