PIAC Strategies

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) works on public interest issues through a combination of litigation, policy and research, training, and by engaging with the community.

Taking strategic action on public interest issues

PIAC’s priorities are set following a review of current and emerging issues and consultation with stakeholders. These priorities are reflected in PIAC objectives and work programs.

PIAC’s current plan covers the period 2012-2015. PIAC’s programs fall under four key areas: social justice, equality, government and democracy, and consumer rights.

Litigation

PIAC conducts litigation on a broad range of public interest issues, particularly where a decision or practice affects individuals who are subject to some economic or other disadvantage and has that effect on a significant number of people. Legal services include advice and representation in test cases, representative or class actions and amicus curiae (‘friend of the court’) interventions.

In recent years PIAC has undertaken litigation in relation to human rights, discrimination, consumer protection, administrative law and constitutional matters. PIAC has an Indigenous justice solicitor who acts for Indigenous clients and there is a Solicitor Advocate in the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service who represents homeless people with complex needs in minor criminal matters.

Possible cases are assessed against the priorities in PIAC’s current strategic plan.

Read more: PIAC CEO, Edward Santow, ‘What’s special about the cases we run?’

Read about how to get legal help.

Policy work

PIAC’s policy work includes research, developing proposals to reform laws, policies and procedures, writing submissions, advocacy with industry and government and campaigning and networking. PIAC works in partnership with community and consumer organisations, professional associations, academics, government, other community legal centres, industry, unions and the media. Much of PIAC’s policy work is focused on influencing government departments and agencies, regulatory bodies, private corporations and law-makers.

Read about PIAC’s current campaigns.

Training

PIAC offers public and customised training programs, short courses, workshops and conference presentations in the following areas:

Advocacy skills
Media skills
The law and the legal system for non-lawyers
Human rights
Practising public interest law.

PIAC’s training can be tailored to meet your organisation’s particular learning needs and can be delivered in-house at an appropriate time and venue, including regional and interstate locations. PIAC also regularly works with other organisations to deliver specialised training.

Review PIAC’s training calendar.

Engaging with the community

PIAC engages with the community on issues of public interest through the media and by hosting conferences, seminars and workshops; presenting conference papers; publishing newsletters, bulletins, submissions and reports; and building public interest networks and coalitions.