Yarrka Barring: Resources for First Nations people

Consumer Affairs ��ɫ��Ƶ (CAV) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands across ��ɫ��Ƶ and pays our respect to Elders past and present. We acknowledge and respect the rich continuous culture which First Nations people graciously share with us.

How we can help you

We have specific information and services to help First Nations people understand their rights and resolve common renting and consumer problems.

Our information for First Nations people has been developed in response to feedback from First Nations communities and organisations about the issues that affect them most.

Know your renting rights

Get help and advice

If you’re renting your home, you have rights that protect you.

Find our up-to-date information and advice about renting in ��ɫ��Ƶ.

If you’re unsure about your rights, we can help you with free advice and information over the phone or on our website.

Some of the common renting issues we can help with are:

• Applying for your rental property
• Bonds
• Evictions
• Minimum standards required in your rental property
• Pets
• Urgent and non-urgent repairs.

Find all our renting forms and documents. We also have a First Nations Renting Guidance Factsheet (PDF, 127KB).

Have you been discriminated against?

In ��ɫ��Ƶ, it’s against the law to stop people from renting a property based on race or cultural background.

If you believe the rental provider or agent is discriminating against you, you can:

• contact the
• apply to the , who may be able to help you get compensation.

Find more information about unlawful discrimination in renting.

Legal advice and questions about VCAT

For legal advice and questions about VCAT, contact the during business hours on 1800 064 865 or free call their 24-hour line on 03 9418 5999, or fill in their contact form.

VCAT has a Koori Support Team with plenty of experience working in First Nations communities. They also have culturally safe options for VCAT hearings, including Koori hearing rooms you can book.

Call or text VCAT’s Koori Helpline on 0417 516 335, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). You can also email koori.support@vcat.vic.gov.au.

Support services

Support for paying your bond

If you need help with your bond payment, you may be able to apply for a government bond loan. These loans are open to people on low incomes who may not be able to pay a bond and don’t have any other financial options.

Learn more about Government bond loans and how to apply.

Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program

The can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people find a new private rental or keep their current tenancy. They can provide information about the private rental market and the housing search process as well as offering practical support. Email aprap@ahvic.org.au to find out more.

Aboriginal Housing ��ɫ��Ƶ

is an Aboriginal community organisation responsible for managing rental properties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in ��ɫ��Ƶ. They provide social housing for those in need.

Free call 1800 248 842, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or email clientservices@ahvic.org.au.

Understand your shopping rights

If you find an issue with a product or service you have paid for, you may be covered under Australian Consumer Law.
There is a difference between a fault with a product or service and just changing your mind on a product or service.
To see all our shopping information, including refunds and returns, go to Products and services.
Go to our Bag searches section to know your rights when asked for your bag to be checked.

Contracts

It’s OK to say no to a salesperson at your door or to walk away without signing a contract.

It can be hard to read all the terms and conditions listed, but you should never feel pressured into signing a contract if you don’t have all the information you want or are not sure.

Guidance for buying a car

Buying a car is a big financial decision. It’s important to do your research beforehand and know your rights.
Consider vehicle safety, safety ratings and child restraints in your choice of a car, as well as the sale cost and the costs of repairing and maintaining it.
When buying a used car, ask to see the registration history and service logbook.
When buying a vehicle from a dealership, you can ask to test drive it to ensure that it does not have any mechanical issues. Also make sure you get all the documents you have a right to, read them carefully and ask as many questions as you like. Take your time with the purchase.
If you buy a car that breaks down or doesn’t work, speak directly to the dealership you bought the car from first or contact us for help. You have the right to a repair, refund or replacement in some cases, whether or not the car was new or used.
You have fewer protections and rights when buying a car in a private sale so be careful.

For more information about buying a car please go to these pages:

Find our cars information, including more on maintenance and repairs.

Scams money and debt

Scams are schemes designed to deceive you, generally to steal your money or personal details.
Scammers can target specific communities where they believe there may be an opportunity to take advantage of people. For example, when people are vulnerable like during times of Sorry Business.
Scams are becoming more realistic and it is hard to tell the difference these days. Please watch out when getting asked for your card or bank details over the phone.
When it comes to online shopping and advertisements, please be wary as ads on social media pages can also be scams.
Some scams ask you to pay a fee first, or impersonate government bodies like the police or tax office threatening arrest or immediate action.
You can report a scam via ��ɫ��Ƶ a scam - Consumer Affairs ��ɫ��Ƶ or

For more information and for help on how to avoid scams and what to do if you are scammed, go to Scams.

Money and debt

You can read money tips and resources for First Nations people on the MoneySmart government website.

For more information about specific money and debt issues, the links below can help:

Funeral cover

Sorry Business is culturally important to First Nations communities to mourn the loss of a loved one. Funeral cover can be hard to choose and may put you in financial hardship.

Funeral cover comes with risks and impacts and can sometimes leave loved ones without enough to cover the funeral costs.
For more information, visit .

Contact us

9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

Yarrka Barring, CAV’s dedicated helpline for First Nations people is 1300 661 511. The call takers on our phone line are trained in Aboriginal cultural awareness and provide a culturally safe space to discuss any concerns about your consumer or renting rights.

Calling us costs the same as a local call. Additional charges may apply if you call from overseas, on a mobile or payphone.

For other options, go to Contact us.

For legal advice, phone the ��ɫ��Ƶn Aboriginal Legal Service on 03 9418 5999 or 1800 064 865. For their office locations, visit the .

For VCAT questions, call or text the VCAT Koori Helpline on 0417 516 335.

National Indigenous Consumer Strategy

CAV is a National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) reference group member. The group develops a range of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and businesses. For more information, visit the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy website.

Resources to support First Nations consumers

Download a copy of the Be Smart - Buy Smart guide in PDF or Word format:

‘Yarrka Barring’ means ‘for guidance; to search for the road or path’ in the Wadawurrung language.

This beautiful phrase came to CAV through our meaningful partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC). CAV has permission to use this fitting piece of Wadawurrung Language as our dedicated First Nations helpline name – ‘Yarrka Barring helpline’ – as well as for the name of our website resources for First Nations people.