For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people coming to the court for any reason can get support from our First Nations Liaison Officer (FNLO).
The FNLO can explain court processes in culturally safe language, provide cultural and wellbeing support, share your cultural needs with the judge, magistrate or court staff, and help connect you with support services.
You can contact the FNLO on 02 6207 4581 or fnlo@courts.act.gov.au.
If you are at court, you can also go to the front counter and ask for support. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you connect with other services that may support you.
Quick links
Justice services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, there are services to support you and your family if you are going to court, in custody, or being released from custody. These programs are provided by Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
You can learn more at Justice services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Court Diversion and Sentencing Programs in the ACT
There are programs in the ACT that aim to support people and reduce contact with the criminal justice system.
Circle Sentencing Courts use a culturally respectful approach involving a Panel of Elders and Respected persons in the sentencing process. These Courts help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people connect with community and build support outside the justice system. In the ACT there are two circle sentencing courts – Galambany for adults and Warrumbul for young people.
Restorative justice gives people who have caused harm and those who were harmed a chance to talk in a safe setting. To find out more, visit the Restorative Justice Unit.
The Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List is a sentencing option for people whose drug or alcohol use is linked to their offence. To learn more, visit Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List.
Bail reporting at alternative locations
Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on bail may be able to report at a culturally safe location instead of a police station. To find out more, visit Alternative locations to report for supervision.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the ACT and the ACT Courts Cultural Diversity Committee endorsed the ACTCT 2017/18 Action Plan on Access to Courts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander People in the ACT.
Bail and warrants support – Aboriginal Legal Service
The Aboriginal Legal Service runs local community programs in the ACT called Front-Up and Ngurrambai Bail Support.
The Front-Up program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT who have outstanding warrants or have breached bail. The team will negotiate on your behalf and provide you with a support person and lawyer.
The Ngurrambai Bail Support program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT who are on bail or applying for it. Some people join the program voluntarily, and others must join as a condition of their bail. The aim is to reduce re-offending while on bail, decrease court appearances, and keep our mob out of prison. The team will create a care plan that helps you with support, treatment, monitoring and supervision during your bail period, and give advice and legal representation for your bail application. They can also provide referrals and other support you might need to complete your bail.
For help or more information about these programs, call the Aboriginal Legal Service on 02 6120 8800 or visit Aboriginal Legal Service.
Family violence and protection orders
Free help is available at the ACT Courts.
- Legal Aid ACT can help with family violence and protection order matters. Call 02 6207 1874 or visit Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Unit
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) has a court advocacy program for people affected by family violence. Call 02 6280 0900 or visit Court Advocacy Program.
Both services have Aboriginal Liaison Officers. You can ask to speak with one.
Support for victims and vulnerable people
Victim Support ACT can help victims of crime and their families. They offer practical information, emotional support, and volunteers to support you at court. Call 1800 8222 72 or visit Victims Justice Volunteer Program.
The Director of Public Prosecutions also has information for victims and witnesses. Visit Your rights as a Victim or call 6207 5399.
Giving evidence remotely
Some witnesses and victims may be eligible to participate in their court matters remotely. A remote witness room is a room where you can give your evidence through a video link. Giving evidence in a remote witness room means you do not have to be in the courtroom with the judge, magistrate, the lawyers or the other person. For more information visit Remote Rooms - ACT Courts.
ACT Intermediary Program
The ACT Intermediary Program helps vulnerable people communicate clearly during police interviews and in court. Intermediaries are trained and independent. They help make sure the court understands what you are saying. More information is available at Intermediaries.
More support services
There are many services that help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when dealing with the ACT Supreme Court and Magistrates Court. For a full list, please download ACT Indigenous Support Services.
Service | Contact details |
|---|---|
Legal Aid ACT Legal Aid can help with legal problems about criminal matters, family breakdown, child support, mental health, domestic violence, debt, housing and social security. An Aboriginal Client Support Officer is available by contacting the general enquiry number. | General enquiries: 02 6243 3411 Free helpline: 1300 654 314 Website: www.legalaidact.org.au |
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) Provides legal assistance for criminal matters. The ALS can assist people front up at court when they have outstanding warrants or have breached their bail. The ALS also supports those attending the Galambany Court and provides advice and support to people leaving prison. | Canberra office: 02 6120 8800 Free helpline: 1800 765 767 Website: www.alsnswact.org.au |
Women's Legal Centre ACT & Region – Mulleun Mura Program for Women Provides legal assistance to women in the areas of family law, victims of crime, employment and discrimination. The Aboriginal Liaison Officer can arrange appointments with a solicitor and can provide support at court and to attend meetings and appointments. | Free helpline: 02 6257 4377 Website: wlc.org.au |
Victim Support ACT (VSACT) Provides support and information for people who have been victims of crime in the ACT and provides outreach for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. | Phone: 02 6205 2222 Free call: 1800 8222 72 Website: www.hrc.act.gov.au/ |
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) Provides support to all people affected by domestic or family violence. | Phone: 02 6280 0900 Website: www.dvcs.org.au |
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Provides confidential counselling and advocacy for women and children who have experienced any form of sexual violence recently or in the past. | Phone: 02 6247 2525 Website: www.crcc.org.au |
Prisoners Aid Provides a Court Assistance and Referral Service offering support to people charged with offences in the ACT, and their families. Prisoners Aid does not provide legal advice. | Phone: 02 6257 4866 Website: www.paact.org.au |
Find a Lawyer Directory The ACT Law Society’s Find a Lawyer Directory is an excellent resource to locate a lawyer specific to your needs. |