Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

10 March

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Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

Right to Silence in Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When “You have the right to remain silent.” Most people believe this statement always applies. However, the right to silence in Queensland is not absolute. While police cannot force you to answer every question, the law does require you to provide certain information in specific situations. If you refuse in those circumstances, police may charge you. Understanding when you must speak and when you can remain silent protects your legal position. Below, we explain how the right to silence works in Queensland, what information you must provide, and when you should contact a...

06 March

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Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Posted by Potts Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences

Assault in Queensland: What Counts as Assault and What Are the Penalties? When most people hear the word assault, they imagine a physical fight. However, assault in Queensland covers far more than punching someone. The law includes threats, minor physical contact, and even certain non-physical conduct. If you face an assault charge, or you want to understand your legal risk, you need clear and accurate information. This guide explains what counts as assault in Queensland, the different categories of offences, and the penalties you could face. What Is Assault in Queensland? Under Queensland law, assault includes: Striking another person Touching or moving another person...

02 March

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Department of Child Safety Investigations Into Alleged Harm of a Child (Carers in Queensland)

Posted by Jean Choi

in Litigation, Uncategorised

Child Safety Investigation for Carers in Queensland Department of Child Safety Investigation Into Alleged Harm of a Child as a Carer If you are a carer and have received a letter from the Department of Child Safety requesting an interview about alleged harm of a child, it is critical to seek independent legal advice immediately. A Department of Child Safety investigation for carers can feel overwhelming, especially when you do not know what the process involves or what the possible outcomes may be. At Potts Lawyers, we offer a 20-minute obligation-free consultation. Contact our team on 07 5532 3133 to speak with an experienced...

02 March

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Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined

Posted by Sophie O’Callaghan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined Understanding Domestic Violence Key Terms is essential if you are involved in a domestic violence matter for the first time. Legal language can feel overwhelming, particularly during stressful circumstances. If you have never been involved in a domestic violence (DV) matter before, some terms may be unfamiliar to you. This guide explains Domestic Violence Key Terms in clear, simple language so you can better understand what they mean and how they apply in Queensland. Definitions Aggrieved: The aggrieved is the person who it is alleged experiences domestic violence. Sometimes it’s the person who is most in need of protection, if...

26 February

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Common Questions About the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

Posted by Jean Choi

in Litigation, Uncategorised

QCAT Disputes: How the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Works If you live or work in Queensland, you have likely heard people mention the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, commonly known as QCAT. Friends, colleagues, neighbours, and even your local barista may have referred to QCAT when talking about disputes, tenancy issues, or consumer complaints. This often leads to the same questions: What is QCAT and how does it work? What types of disputes does QCAT hear? Do I need a lawyer for a QCAT matter? Can a lawyer represent me at QCAT? This article answers the most common questions about the Queensland...

24 February

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Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia

Posted by Andrew Hanlon

in Andrew Hanlon, Criminal Law & Offences

Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia Employers across Australia have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of workers. Most business owners understand this at a general level. However, many do not realise how broad these duties are, who they apply to, and how severe the penalties can be for non-compliance. The Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) sets out strict obligations for employers, officers, workers, and others at the workplace. Importantly, breaches can lead to major fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment. This guide explains the key WHS duties, offence categories, and the...

13 February

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Speeding Offences in Queensland: How to Dispute a Speeding Fine and Protect Your Licence

Posted by Potts Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, Traffic Law, Traffic Law

Speeding Offences in Queensland: What You Need to Know Getting a speeding fine can instantly turn a good day into a stressful one. Many Queensland drivers only discover they were allegedly speeding when a notice arrives in the mail, often with demerit points and significant penalties attached. If you are trying to dispute a speeding fine in Queensland, it is important to understand your legal options early. Speeding offences are among the most common traffic charges in Queensland. However, that does not mean every infringement is automatically correct. In some cases, drivers may have valid grounds to dispute a speeding fine in Queensland,...

11 February

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Police Protection Directions Queensland 2026

Posted by Sophie O’Callaghan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Domestic Violence

Police Protection Directions Queensland: What a PPD Means for You in 2026 Police Protection Directions in Queensland From 1 January 2026, Queensland Police gained expanded powers to issue Police Protection Directions (PPDs). A Police Protection Direction is a legally binding order that can significantly affect your freedom, your home, and your daily life. These directions allow police to provide immediate protection in domestic and family violence situations, without first going through the courts. While the intent is to enhance victim safety, PPDs carry serious legal consequences if breached. In this article, we explain what Police Protection Directions are, when police can issue a PPD...

09 February

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Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions

Posted by Andrew Hanlon

in Andrew Hanlon, Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland The charge of Industrial manslaughter is one of the most serious offences under Queensland workplace safety law. It was introduced to ensure that businesses and senior decision-makers can be held criminally responsible when workplace negligence results in the death of a worker. Part 2A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), introduced in 2017, creates the offence of industrial manslaughter. This part of the Act is designed to allow certain people to be held criminally responsible when a worker dies, or is injured and...

03 February

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How to Get Admitted as a Lawyer in Queensland

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in Litigation

Admission as a Lawyer in Queensland: Process, Forms and Suitability Guide Admission as a lawyer in Queensland is the final step in your journey to becoming a legal practitioner. After completing your law degree and practical legal training, you must apply to the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board and satisfy the Supreme Court that you meet both the eligibility and suitability requirements. The process can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have suitability matters to disclose. Below, we explain how admission as a lawyer in Queensland works, what documents you need to prepare, and the key issues to be aware of. Who Assesses Applications to...

Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Department of Child Safety Investigations Into Alleged Harm of a Child (Carers in Queensland)

Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined

Common Questions About the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia

Speeding Offences in Queensland: How to Dispute a Speeding Fine and Protect Your Licence

Police Protection Directions Queensland 2026

Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions

How to Get Admitted as a Lawyer in Queensland

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