1 July 2008
NEW CONTRACTS FOR INDIGENOUS LEGAL SERVICES
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today congratulated Aboriginal Legal Services after the successful re-signing of new three year contracts.
“Legal services are operating in an environment of heavy demand and provide culturally sensitive services to meet the needs of their clients.”
The 3 year contracts provide funding for 08/09 to:
- Aboriginal Legal Services of Western Australia - $9,509,000
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Queensland) - $12,046,000
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative - $2,921,000
- Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (South Australia) - $3,598,000
- Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) - $13,392,000
- NT Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service (CAALAS) $1,914,000
- North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) - $4,934,000
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre - $1,525,000
Mr Debus said Indigenous Australians are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Australia and experience unacceptably high rates of contact with the law and justice system.
“These providers are doing tremendous work and there are many examples of the innovative strategies being used.
“For example, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement employs Aboriginal field officers who operate a toll free number that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
In addition, the NSW/ACT Legal Service Limited employs Victims of Family Violence Contact Officers who act as the first point of contact for Aboriginal people falling victim to family violence.
CAALAS attend bush courts in eight remote communities, servicing a population of 18,000 Aboriginal people from sixteen different language groups.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre ran a successful test case regarding the return of Indigenous remains held by the Natural History Museum in London that was resolved by mediation.
“The Australian Government is committed to meeting the legal advice and representation needs of Indigenous people in Australia,” Mr Debus said.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372