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ALS provides free and means-tested legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Criminal law and Child Care and Protection Law matters. We are not Legal Aid NSW.
Does Aboriginal Legal Service do Family Law, Civil law or Administrative Law?
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) assists Aboriginal people in two areas of law - Criminal law and Children's Care and Protection. We can give information to people who have legal issues in other areas of law. We can also refer to people to another legal firm.
Are your lawyers professional?
Yes they are. Our lawyers are some of the best in the business. They are professional and committed to social justice and giving everyone the right to good representation, no matter where they're from and why they need to see a lawyer. It is the right of every Australian to have legal representation. That's what we provide, proudly.
What is the Serious Disruption to Community Policy?
ALS represents people who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. We only provide assistance in matters which fall within Criminal law or Children's Care and Protection Law, as these are the two areas of law that we can practice in. And we only represent people if our assistance to a person will not cause 'extra' problems in the local community where the problem started. If there is a concern that this might be the case, ALS Zone Manager’s will conduct an investigation. They may conclude there is no problem for the ALS to represent a person. Or, they may conclude there is the 'potential for serious disruption' if the ALS represents that person. If the 'potential for serious disruption' has been identified, ALS will provide appropriate assistance to the person needing our help. This may include referral to another legal service provider.
Is Aboriginal Legal Service the same as Legal Aid NSW?
Aboriginal Legal Service is an Aboriginal organisation and a community organisation. ALS provides free and means-tested legal services only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and ACT. Legal Aid NSW is operated by the NSW Government. They provide means-tested legal services to the general community.
Why can’t ALS make the Government change the laws?
ALS is a community organisation. Our focus is to give legal representation and advice to Aboriginal people in NSW and ACT. We do talk to State, Territory and Federal Governments when matters of law and/or policy are adversely affecting Aboriginal people.
