MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 12 October 2026
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence in the ACT will have greater access to legal support from Monday 12 October.
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) is introducing on-the-spot legal services at the ACT Magistrates Court for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people applying for family violence orders.
“We are looking forward to increasing our services for victim-survivors in the ACT, reflecting our commitment to providing culturally safe and high-quality legal support for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence,” said Kristy Tansey, Principal Solicitor at the ALS.
A solicitor from the ALS Family Violence Prevention Unit will be available three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) either in person at the court or via phone to offer legal representation, advice, and referrals to other support services. The ALS solicitor will work alongside practitioners from Legal Aid ACT, which already provides services at the court for family violence order applicants.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to experience domestic, family and sexual violence, and over-represented among applicants for family and domestic violence protection orders.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will now have a choice of free legal providers, empowering them with more agency in choosing the legal provider that aligns with their preferences, needs and cultural considerations,” Ms Tansey said.
The ALS Family Violence Prevention Unit has operated since 2021, offering culturally safe, trauma-informed and holistic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors across the ACT and NSW South Coast.
The ALS is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation, and Australia’s first and oldest free community legal service.
