Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
The Aboriginal Legal Service is a community organisation giving information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders regarding Criminal law, Children's Care and Protection law and Family law. The Aboriginal Legal Service provides information and referral for Civil law, assists with Work and Development Orders and Custody Notification.
For more information visit Aboriginal Legal Service or call:
ACT Human Rights Commission
The ACT Human Rights Commission promotes the human rights and welfare of all people living in the ACT. The Commission can assist you to find out more information about your Cultural rights which exist to protect your traditions and customs.
For more information visit ACT Human Rights Commission or call 02 6205 2222.
ACT Ombudsman
An ombudsman is an independent person who can investigate and resolve disputes between people and government. They investigate complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by an ACT Government agency.
For more information visit ACT Ombudsman or call 1300 062 072.
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Official Visitor
Official visitors aim to safeguard standards of treatment and care and advocate for the rights and dignity of people being treated under a range of legislation.
Official Visitors are available during business hours from Monday to Friday.
An official visitor may be contacted by calling 1800 150 036 and following the prompts. A recorded message will direct the caller to the appropriate Official Visitor. Persons calling this number may be asked to provide their name, phone number and the place they would like the Official Visitor to visit.
For more information visit ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Official Visitor or call 1800 150 036.
Legal Aid ACT
Legal Aid ACT helps people in the ACT with their legal problems, especially people who are socially or economically disadvantaged. We can help in criminal law, family law and some civil law matters.
Legal Aid ACT offers free and confidential legal advice, assistance, information and referrals to everyone in the community. Legal Aid ACT Services include:
- Domestic and Family Violence - specialist domestic and family violence lawyers who are available to provide you with free legal help every day of the week regardless of your income or property
- Family Dispute Resolution – to help resolve family law disputes out of court.
- Youth Law Centre - free and confidential legal services for young people between the ages of 12 – 25
- Older Persons ACT Legal Service - legal assistance to older people in the community who are experiencing problems with a range of legal issues.
For more information visit Legal Aid ACT or call 02 6243 4311 or call the Legal Aid ACT Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Region
The Women’s Legal Centre ACT is a specialist legal service based in Canberra, providing legal and non-legal support to Canberra’s most vulnerable women. They are a feminist, nationally accredited community legal centre, and provide free advice and representation to women on family law, employment and discrimination matters.
For more information visit the Women’s Legal Centre ACT or call 02 6257 4377.
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
The ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) represents not-for-profit community organisations and advocates for social justice in the ACT.
ACTCOSS is a not-for-profit peak body working collaboratively with organisations and individuals who support our vision and goals for positive social change.
ACTCOSS advocates to government on social policy, encourage individuals and groups to take action, and provide capacity building services and resources to community organisations.
For more information visit ACT Council of Social Service or call 02 6202 7200.
Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation
Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation’s aim is to break the cycle of inter-generational offending by supporting the development of strong cultural identities and positive family and community connections.
Tjillari services are based on the “Family Justice Model” which taps into the strengths of families and communities. By identifying family strengths, productive behaviours and successful coping mechanisms, Tjillari can develop a personal case management plan in partnership with our clients, their family members and community agencies.
Some of the services Tjillari provide include:
- Support for ex-offenders and people of community-based orders
- Advocacy and support for families of detainees
- Community Capacity Building Workshops
For more information visit Tjillari Justice or call 0402 062 191.
Gulanga Program (ACTCOSS)
The Gulanga Program is designed to support ACT community sector organisations to develop and improve upon good, culturally appropriate practice standards.
The program employs Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers and aims to provide better engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families to access the services that will best meet their needs.
For more information email gulanga@actcoss.org.au or call 02 6202 7202.