12 August 2021
All ALS offices are temporarily closed to the public due to the COVID-19 outbreak – but we're still here for you.
Our staff are still working. Wherever possible, we are offering assistance over the phone or audio-visual link. We continue to provide representation at courts across NSW and the ACT.
As always, if you need legal help, you can call the following numbers during business hours:
- 1800 765 767 – for police charges and court matters
- 1800 733 233 – for child and family matters
The Custody Notification Service (CNS) remains open 24/7. This is used by police to notify the ALS whenever an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is taken into custody in NSW or the ACT.
Do you have an appointment at our office?
If you already have an appointment booked with one of our solicitors, please call us to check whether it will go ahead in-person or over the phone/video call.
If you are required to come into the office, we will need you to:
- Wear a mask throughout the visit
- Maintain 1.5 metres distance between you and others
- Answer some screening questions, including whether you have been in contact with anyone who has the virus, and whether you have been to a case location
- Check in with the QR code
- Sign a visitor register
Are you due to attend court or report for bail?
If you're in an area that's subject to stay-at-home restrictions, you probably don't need to attend court in-person - but you must contact your ALS solicitor to confirm this and get further instructions.
If you're not sure whether this applies to you, please contact us to check.
You need to keep reporting to your local police station if you're on bail, unless you've been informed otherwise. Please contact your ALS solicitor to check on your obligations.
Stay safe, get vaccinated and #Swab4Mob
There's nothing more important than the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Alongside our friends and colleagues at AH&MRC, NACCHO and the AMS network, we encourage you to take the following actions to stay healthy and protect your loved ones:
Stick to the rules if your neighbourhood is under a stay-at-home order
Learn what you can and can't do under the rules.
Wear a mask outside your home and make sure you have a fresh mask each time
Wash your hands regularly and keep good hygiene
If you feel unwell, get tested and #Swab4Mob (find your closest COVID testing clinic here)
Get vaccinated! Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 12 and up are now eligible for the free vaccine. Register your appointment here.
Useful links – stay safe and in-the-know
- NSW Health: Latest COVID-19 news and updates
- NSW Health: COVID-19 rules
- ACT Government: COVID-19 information and advice in the ACT
- Australian Government: Check if you're eligible for a COVID vaccination
- NSW Government: Find your closest COVID testing clinic
- NACCHO and NCIRS: Information about COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
- Australian Government: Coronavirus advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities
You can also call the national coronavirus and vaccine helpline 24/7 on 1800 020 080.
We encourage you to keep an eye on our ALS social media profiles for updates on our offices and services. We're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
