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Counselling and support services

Counselling and support for people engaging with the Royal Commission

A 1800 enquiry phone number is being established for people to contact the Royal Commission. Information, counselling and other supports will be available to people contacting this phone line if they need assistance.

Counselling and support will also be available to people who are participating in Royal Commission hearings, meetings or roundtables as arranged. This includes support for witnesses before, during and after a hearing.

Crisis and support services, such as those listed below can be contacted for more general assistance.

Beyond Blue

1300 224 636

Free, immediate, short-term counselling

Advice and referral via telephone, webchat or email 24/7.

Headspace

1800 650 850 or chat online (3 pm to 10 pm)

Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.

Jewish Care

1300 133 660 (M-Th: 9am to 5pm, F: 9am to 4pm AEST).

JewishCare provides support to community members impacted by the Bondi attack as well as providing general mental health and wellbeing services.

Griefline

1300 845 745 (8 am to 8 pm: 7 days)

Griefline offers free, compassionate, and confidential support.

Legal financial assistance

The Australian Government will provide legal financial assistance to individuals and entities to assist with meeting the reasonable costs of legal representation and disbursements associated with engaging with the Royal Commission.

The Royal Commission will need to identify and request the involvement of the individual or entity for them to become eligible for legal financial assistance.

The Attorney-General’s Department administers the legal financial assistance scheme, independently of the Royal Commission.

For further information, contact Legal Financial Assistance Casework, within the Attorney-General's Department, by email at finass@ag.gov.au.