Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) facts for kids
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) is a special organisation in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. It was started in 1970 to help Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders with legal problems. Its main office is in Sydney, but it has many branches across NSW and ACT.
The ALS was the first free legal service in Australia. It set an example for many other community legal help centers and Aboriginal services across the country.
Contents
History
How the ALS Started
The idea for the Aboriginal Legal Service grew from a movement called Australian Black Power. This movement began in places like Redfern and Fitzroy in the 1960s. It was about Aboriginal people standing up for their rights and fairness.
In 1970, a public meeting was held in Redfern. At this meeting, Aboriginal activists and lawyers decided to create the Aboriginal Legal Service. People like Paul Coe, Isabel Coe, and Gary Foley were involved. A law professor, J. H. Wooten, also helped set up the service.
At first, volunteers ran the ALS. They gave free legal advice and help to Aboriginal people in Sydney. This was important because many Aboriginal people faced unfair treatment and arrests.
Growing the Service
In 1971, the service received money from the government. This allowed them to hire a full-time lawyer, a field officer, and a secretary. They could then open a proper office in Redfern.
It was very important that Aboriginal people were involved in running the ALS and providing the services. This made sure the help was right for the community. The service chose leaders from different Aboriginal communities to be on its board and work as field officers.
Helping People in Custody
In 1991, a big report called the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) was released. It suggested that Aboriginal Legal Services should also work on changing laws.
The ALS was the first group to start a special service called the Custody Notification Service (CNS). This service began in 2000. It was created to help keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people safer when they are taken into custody by police.
Joining Forces
In 2006, the six Aboriginal Legal Services in NSW and ACT joined together. This happened because of changes in government funding. By joining, they could continue to provide important legal help to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Today
Today, the ALS helps people with different types of legal issues. This includes legal problems, matters about children's care and protection, and family law issues. They also work to improve laws and policies.
The Custody Notification Service (CNS) is now a law in NSW. This means NSW Police officers must tell the CNS when they take an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person into custody. This helps make sure people's rights are protected. The CNS has been very successful and is seen as a good example for other places.
See also
- Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia
- North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
