Get involved in YOUR Aboriginal Legal Service.
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd is owned and governed by representatives of the Aboriginal communities we serve. It’s almost time to elect those representatives for the next 3 years.
ALS member applications have now closed and we are currently confirming the applicants for each region. If there are more than 10 eligible applicants in any region, an election will be held on Saturday 25 May 2024.
We will update this page with election details in early May. Feel free to bookmark it in the meantime!
Questions & answers
How does ALS governance work?
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd is a public company limited by guarantee. As an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, we are guided by an Aboriginal board and owned by our members, who are elected every 3 years.
We have a total of up to 30 members. This includes up to 10 people elected in each region: Northern, Western, and Central South Eastern. (These regions are set out by the ALS Constitution; you can view a map here.)
Once the members are elected in each region, they get to appoint up to 4 regional directors to the ALS Board. The Board has a maximum of 12 regional directors on the Board (4 from each region) plus it may appoint up to 2 honorary directors.
Why become a member or director?
Ever since the ALS was founded in 1970, we have been proudly owned and controlled by the communities we serve.
Community control is an important part of self-determination. It helps ensure that we are responsive to the needs of our people and providing services that are culturally safe and appropriate.
By stepping up as a representative of your community and by becoming a member or director, you can be a part of the ALS’ future and support the fight for justice.
What do members do?
Members have a key role in the governance of the organisation. Under the ALS Constitution, the role of a member is to:
- participate in the appointment of directors; and
- facilitate communication between Aboriginal communities and the ALS, including by facilitating communication between the traditional owners of the region and the organisation
As a member, your rights include:
- receiving notice of upcoming members’ meetings
- having a right to one vote at a meeting of members
- appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf at meetings of members
- receiving a copy of the annual report
Who is eligible to become a member?
To become an ALS member, you must be:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- An adult (18+)
- Living in the region in which you are applying (Northern, Western, or Central South Eastern) for at least 1 year before you apply, and continue to live there throughout your membership term
You must not be:
- Employed by the ALS, either now or within the last 3 years
- In the past 5 years:
- Convicted of an indictable offence that was dealt with on indictment
- Declared bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Act 1996 (Cth)
- Convicted of an offence of dishonesty, including fraud
- Convicted of any other offence which has resulted in a term of imprisonment for a period of 6 months or more.
How can I become an ALS director?
To become a director, you must first become a member. Directors for each region are selected by the members for that region.
What do directors do?
The responsibilities of the ALS Board and its directors include:
- the overall governance and strategic direction of the ALS
- the management of the Company, through the CEO
- overseeing ALS policies and procedures
- reporting to members
- overseeing the performance of the CEO
When and where is the member election?
If there are more than 10 eligible applicants in a region, an election will be held on Saturday 25 May 2024.
If required, elections will be conducted at:
- Northern Region: Tamworth
- Western Region: Parkes
- Central South Eastern Region: Goulburn
The Board will assess and confirm eligibility of interim candidates in accordance with the criteria set out above, and we will officially announce the elected members in mid-June.
This webpage will be updated with more information at each stage of the process.
Which ALS region am I in?
We have 3 regions: Northern, Western, and Central South Eastern. View our map to see which region you're located in.
Other questions?
For further information, please email [email protected] or call (02) 9213 4100 and press 3.