Please direct all media enquiries to the ALS media team on 0427 346 017 or [email protected]
ACT Policing must face consequences and be independently oversighted following abhorrent treatment of Aboriginal boy
MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 22 May 2025 The Aboriginal Legal Service welcomes judicial condemnation of the unacceptable and deeply concerning treatment of one of our clients in ACT police custody. The then 17-year-old boy was tasered while already restrained, called a “fucking idiot,” taunted about not having parents, and pinned down screaming as officers forcibly cut off a layer of his clothing. The...
READ MORENew figures show government priority is locking people up, not preventing crime
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday 21 May 2025 The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) says new figures showing increases in Aboriginal incarceration highlights the NSW Government’s failure to prevent crime and make communities safer. “Does the government care about reducing crime?” asked ALS CEO Karly Warner. “Its focus on throwing people in jail is coming at the expense of policies that can...
READ MOREBAIL FAIL: Report card exposes shocking truths about NSW Government’s bail reforms
MEDIA RELEASE Friday 9 May 2025 The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) says, a year on from dangerous changes to NSW bail laws, Aboriginal children are being locked up on remand for crimes that don’t attract jail sentences. The ALS has released a report card 12 months after the introduction of the laws, exposing shocking truths about the serious harm they...
READ MOREImpact of two deaths in custody will be felt throughout community
MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 18 February 2025 Impact of two deaths in custody will be felt throughout community The Aboriginal Legal Service is devastated by media reports that two Aboriginal people have died in prison in the ACT, and within days of each other. We extend our condolences to their families. “The impacts of these individuals’ deaths will be felt not only by...
READ MOREMinns' plan will increase crime
MEDIA RELEASE Monday 10 February 2025 The NSW Government has announced it will extend its failing child bail laws, ensuring communities become more dangerous for years to come. "Bad policy is easy to print in a tabloid, but impossible to implement safely and impossible to undo in a child’s life,” Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited said. “While...
READ MOREWhat's Up You Mob? January 2025 community update
Welcome to the January 2025 issue of our member and community newsletter. Click below for updates on board business, ALS services, policy & advocacy, and community engagement. Warning: This newsletter contains the names and image of an Aboriginal person who has passed away. View newsletter on Issuu Download PDF You can view previous issues of the newsletter here: September 2024 May...
READ MOREAboriginal Legal Service congratulates Shaun Mortimer on appointment to NSW Local Court bench
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday 29 January 2025 The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) congratulates Shaun Mortimer on his appointment as a Magistrate of the Local Court of New South Wales. Mr Mortimer will be sworn in today. Mr Mortimer began his career at the ALS as a solicitor in 2008, working in criminal law at our Dubbo office. Moving between other organisations...
READ MOREHave a safe and happy holiday season
From everyone here at the ALS, we're wishing our clients, community and supporters a happy and safe festive season. Our staff will be taking a short break over Christmas and New Year to rest and recharge. All ALS offices will be closed from 5pm Friday 20 December 2024. Our offices and phone lines will reopen for business as usual from 9am...
READ MORENew police knife-scanning powers: what you need to know
From Monday 9 December 2024, NSW Police have new powers to use hand-held scanners to detect knives in specially designated public areas. This does not mean police will have the power to scan people with metal detectors in any public place, all the time. Where scanning may take place The following places may be declared as designated areas: Public transport stations like...
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