We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Services
The Aboriginal Legal Service opened our doors in 1970 in Redfern as the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Australia, and the first free legal assistance service in the country - that makes us almost 50 years old! After dispossession, new laws were imposed, and used to rule over our communities.
We had no say in the laws that were created and the police and the courts have historically played a fundamental role in the oppression of Aboriginal peoples.The ALS was founded as a response to this injustice, and in acknowledgement of the importance of Aboriginal people designing and delivering services to our own communities.
We had no say in the laws that were created and the police and the courts have historically played a fundamental role in the oppression of Aboriginal peoples.The ALS was founded as a response to this injustice, and in acknowledgement of the importance of Aboriginal people designing and delivering services to our own communities.
Our Community Justice Programs provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based in the Australian Capital Territory. Community justice programs are designed to help our clients exit a correctional centre as they move into the community. These are Aboriginal community-led initiatives that strike at the heart of inequalities that lead to the high incarceration rates of Aboriginal women, men and children.
Our tenant advocates fight for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all forms of housing. Our tenancy programs empower Aboriginal individuals, families and communities who are experiencing housing stress by providing advocacy, outreach, and tenancy legal education. Our tenancy programs works with the NSW Tenants Union to address systemic issues and to identify test cases for tribunals court to drive law reform.
The Aboriginal Legal Service is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). This means our organisation was initiated by, and is governed and operated by Aboriginal community members; thereby acknowledging the right of Aboriginal peoples to self-determination. As an ACCO we deliver services that build strength and empowerment in Aboriginal communities and people.
