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This service exists because of our long-standing experience working across the disability, aged care, and mental health sectors, and our recognition that many people navigating these systems do not have access to timely, independent support when it matters most.

We offer this service free of charge. We do not receive any external or government funding. We only provide advocacy support, not legal advice or legal representation. Our services do not replace legal advice from qualified and practising solicitors or barristers, community legal centres or Legal Aid services. Rather, it complements existing supported advocacy resources in Queensland for those who cannot access those other services.

At present, we can only serve clients living in Queensland.

Why we offer advocacy

Through our work across disability, aged care, and mental health systems, we have seen first-hand how challenging it can be for people to navigate reviews, hearings, and agency processes — particularly when resources are limited or circumstances are stressful.

This advocacy service reflects a deliberate choice to:

• Contribute our time and experience where it can make a practical difference

• Support people who may otherwise struggle to be heard or supported

• Provide calm, structured assistance in systems that can feel overwhelming

This work is undertaken independently of Calder Reid’s consulting practice and is not connected to any commercial service offering. There is no financial or promotional ‘catch’ involved.

Who this service is for

This advocacy service is for people who:

• Are navigating the NDIS, aged care, or related systems

• Are dealing with a plan review, hearing, or case conference

• Need support to understand decisions, options, and next steps

• Feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, or uncertain how to proceed

• Want independent, non-provider-aligned advocacy support

We work with people living with disability, older Australians, individuals with mental health needs, families, carers, and informal supporters.

What independent, non-lawyer advocates can do

As independent, non-lawyer advocates, we can provide practical and informational support including:

• Explaining processes, decisions, and options in plain language

• Helping you prepare for meetings, reviews, and hearings

• Where non-lawyer representation is permitted (e.g. with permission of the Tribunal/Registrar), we can support you at ART, QCAT hearings and case conferences. We do not act as legal representatives, and non-lawyer representation is subject to the rules and discretion of the tribunal.

• Assisting with NDIS internal reviews of reviewable decisions

• Supporting communication with the NDIA, aged care bodies, and service providers

• Helping organise your documents and timelines to assist you with administration of your application

• Attending meetings with you, or on your behalf where appropriate

Our role is to support you to participate effectively and to have your voice heard.

What we cannot do

It is important to be clear about the limits of non-lawyer advocacy.

We are not lawyers, therefore we cannot:

• Provide legal advice

• Act as lawyers or give legal opinions

• Draft legal submissions or pleadings

• Advise on the likelihood of legal outcomes

• Replace the role of a qualified solicitor or barrister

We recommend that every person who needs advocacy tries to access suitable, qualified legal advice wherever possible. Our recommendations will always include suggesting you seek advice from a Community Legal Centre (CLC) such as Caxton Legal Centre, or LegalAid Queensland if you cannot afford the paid services of a private legal practitioner. This is because we cannot give you legal advice as non-lawyer advocates.

Our approach

Our advocacy approach is:

• Independent — not aligned to service providers or agencies relative to the person involved

• Respectful — focused on constructive engagement

• Practical — grounded in real systems and processes

• Person-centred — guided by your goals and circumstances

• Trauma-informed — our advocates are trained in trauma-informed support strategies to help ensure comfort

• Clear boundaries — we are abundantly clear about what we can and cannot do, and we will not breach those boundaries under any circumstances.

We aim to reduce stress, improve clarity, and support better participation in decision-making processes.

Pro bono service and capacity

This advocacy service is currently offered on a pro bono (no-fee) basis.

Because it is provided as a community contribution, our capacity is very limited which means unfortunately we cannot accept every request. Where we are unable to assist, we will endeavour to suggest alternative support options where possible.