Case Explained: New year boost for Women’s Legal Service – Proctor – Legal Perspective

Women’s Legal Service Queensland has entered 2026 with a new criminal practice and fresh office location.

WLSQ CEO Nadia Bromley said the service had made some big strides forward in support of its mission towards the end of 2025, launching the criminal practice, and relocating from Annerley to larger premises in Milton.

“Expanding our service to include a criminal practice was driven by client demand, particularly from vulnerable groups who face increasing interaction with the criminal justice system,” Nadia said.

“Our criminal practice is available to support women who are victims of crime and those who come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of domestic and family violence.

“Establishing a criminal law practice continues our tradition of addressing service gaps for vulnerable women.”

The new service provides:
• Free legal advice to help women understand the investigation process, their role in court proceedings, and their rights and options as victim-survivors of crime.
• Free advice – and in some cases ongoing assistance and representation – for women charged with minor or summary offences where the conduct is connected to their experience of DFV.
• Integrated, trauma-informed support, ensuring criminal law advice is provided in the context of a woman’s safety and broader legal needs related to DFV.

“What we continue to hear from women is simple – they want to feel informed,” Nadia said.

“DFV can profoundly affect how women encounter the criminal justice system, and clear, trauma-informed legal advice can be the difference between fear and empowerment.”

The WLSQ Statewide Free Legal Helpline triages and assesses eligibility for the criminal practice.

Another significant development for the service was the move to Milton after nearly 40 years in Annerley.

“Our Annerley office is an important part of our story – our relocation reflects our continued growth and our focus on creating a space that aligns with how we work today,” Nadia said.

“As we look to the future, our history, values, and the stories of the women who came before us remain at the heart of our work.

“Together, the launch of our new criminal law practice and the move to Milton represent a significant step forward for WLSQ. Both initiatives are about ensuring we can support our clients, our team, and continue to build on our strong foundation for the future.”

WLSQ hosted a farewell event at the Annerley houses late last year to celebrate their history and the remarkable women and supporters who have helped shaped the service today.

“Countless connections, memories, and milestones were made within those walls, and it was important to us to honour that legacy before we moved forward,” Nadia said.

“As we moved into a new, safer, and more modern workspace, we carried our history with us. We are now settled in a bright, welcoming workspace for our staff and clients, where teams can connect more easily and continue to thrive.

“The purpose-built space will enable our team and volunteers to assist more women, deliver services more efficiently, and respond to increasing demand.”