MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 23 October 2023
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) has today launched its Employment Law Service, the first specialist sexual harassment and discrimination legal service in NSW that’s for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers and run by an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.
The ALS Employment Law Service offers free and confidential legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in any industry or profession in NSW. While it has a particular focus on sexual harassment and discrimination, the service also provides support in relation to other kinds of workplace mistreatment like underpayment, unjust termination, and other rights at work.
“Everyone should be safe and respected at work, but sadly that’s not always the case. That anyone is subjected to mistreatment at work is unacceptable, but survey data shows* that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience workplace discrimination and sexual harassment at almost double the rate of non-Indigenous workers. They can now contact the ALS for culturally appropriate legal support,” said Jason Allan, ALS Chairperson.
The service was established with 2 years of funding from the NSW Government under the NLAP agreement, and in response to the national Respect@Work report into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. In addition to offering legal support for workers, the ALS will provide community education to build awareness of what workplace sexual harassment and discrimination look like and where to get help.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in NSW who believe they are being mistreated at work are encouraged to contact the ALS Employment Law Service on 1800 765 767 (free call) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or via email at [email protected].
ENDS
* Time for respect: Fifth national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces, Nov 2022, p47.
Media contacts:
Alyssa Robinson [email protected] 0427 346 017
Bart Denaro [email protected] 0427 950 312
Both Alyssa and Bart can also be contacted at [email protected]