Justice Project: Pro Bono Tool
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
More information about this project can be found here. 
This project has been endorsed by the Law Council of Australia.
Priorities identified in the Justice Project Final Report
Priorities Identified in the Justice Project Final Report[i]:
- Implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions: Community controlled organisations should be supported to play a leading role in improving access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Address shortfall in legal aid, CLCs funding, quantify unmet civil legal need and address gaps in remote legal service coverage.
- Increase funding by states of ATSILs and FVPLs above existing Commonwealth Government funding.
- Ongoing cultural competence training informed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, for all stakeholders in broader justice system and adopt strategies to increase the employment of Indigenous people across these professions. Appropriately resource Indigenous organisations to engage in this work.
- Address underlying disadvantage that precipitates civil legal need and interaction with criminal justice system by improving access to housing and crisis accommodation, holistic family support programs, programs for young people at-risk, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental health services.
- Address over-imprisonment.[ii]
- Implement a National Justice Interpreter Scheme.
- Support courts to provide culturally appropriate support services and ensure the facilitation of specialist sentencing courts.
- Prioritise within police protocols and guidelines the recognition and provision of support to women and children subject to family violence.
- Address intersectional needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing disability by developing culturally competent responses throughout the criminal justice system.[iii]
- Improve child protection systems.[iv]
Justice Project: Pro Bono Tool Summaries
Directory of Organisations
Quick links to tables by location:
National
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) – Independent statutory authority that promotes collaboration among academic, research, non-government, business and government sectors and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides advice to the Commonwealth on the situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. | See here– The AIATSIS Volunteer Program is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of a world-renowned research, collecting and publishing organisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, languages and stories. The application form contains a list of possible activities offered in the AIATSIS Volunteer Program. There is also a section where you can add other activities that you might be interested in that have not been listed. | 1, 4, 6, 10, 11 | ✔ | |
| Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse – Aim to reduce Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system and improve safety in Indigenous communities by providing policy makers and those working in the Indigenous justice field with quality, accessible information about Indigenous justice issues and ‘what works’. In addition to maintaining their website and database, they commission research briefs and current initiative papers. | 1, 4, 5, 9 | ✔ | ||
| Indigenous Law Centre (ILC) – Publishes the Indigenous Law Bulletin and the Australian Indigenous Law Review, which disseminates research on Indigenous legal issues including: violence against Indigenous women and children, constitutional reform, Indigenous land reform, home ownership on Indigenous land, alcohol regulation in NT, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and more. ILC’s research and publications help inform policies and programs that directly impact Indigenous people. | See here – Volunteers will expand their knowledge of the Australian legal system and Indigenous law and policy, while developing valuable skills in researching and writing at an academic level. They will improve verbal and written communication skills and gain experience working within a team in a professional legal environment. Volunteers can expect to be actively involved in ILC’s student-run Open Forums, researching articles for the Indigenous Law Bulletin under the supervision of the Editor, and literature reviews in research areas responsible to the ILC Director. Please call 9385 2252 or email ilc@unsw.edu.au | 1, 5, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | |
| National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance – Advocates for and empowers Indigenous women to have a strong and effective voice in the domestic and international policy advocacy process. | See here | 1, 5, 9 | ✔ | |
| National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) – National peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services providing a united national voice for the seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services in Australia. They advocate nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the justice system and equal access to justice. Also advocates for adequate funding and culturally competent legal assistance services. NATSILS provides expert advice to decision makers, submissions to inquiries and public investigations, and law and policy reform processes. | NATSILS is looking for pro bono assistance with: • Policy and law reform expertise and submission writing • Pro bono legal advice and assistance particularly on governance and HR issues • Pro bono support in kind through the use of meeting rooms, conference facilities and venues for events See here – If you are interested in interning or volunteering with NATSILS, please email rmoore@vals.org.au. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 | ✔ | |
| National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services – Works to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault. Currently facing defunding. | See here | 1, 9 | ✔ | |
| SNAICC – National Voice for our Children – National peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Performs policy and research work to ensure protection of Indigenous children’s rights. | See here – SNAICC has hosted volunteers from a variety of backgrounds with diverse skills, including administrative support, social work, public health, law and anthropology students, media and social sciences professionals, lawyers and accountants. | 1, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ |
Organisations with Indigenous initiatives
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Human Rights Commission – Conducts various projects working on Indigenous social justice. | 1, 9, 10 | ✔ | ||
| Gilbert and Tobin Centre for Public Law – Has an Indigenous legal issues project with a focus on territorial issues (land rights and native title) and on constitutional change. | No current pro bono opportunities | 1 | ✔ | |
| Grata Fund – Supports people and communities to access the courts to protect and advance the rights and freedoms of everybody by relieving financial barriers to litigation and providing advocacy support. Has supported First Nations communities to bring successful strategic litigation for housing rights. | For pro bono litigation and advice opportunities for barristers and firms contact admin@gratafund.org.au, making to the attention of Maria Nawaz, Head of Strategic Litigation. | 1, 2 | ✔ | |
| National Justice Project – Takes on strategically important cases in order to push for systemic change within government institutions. They also provide legal advice and train communities on how to protect their rights. They also help run the Aboriginal Health Justice Project – a program aimed at improving health law services for First Nations peoples and communities who have experienced discrimination in healthcare or medical negligence. They help Indigenous organisations including Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, CATSINAM – Nurses and Midwives and Lowitja institute to develop and implement Indigenous solutions and are attempting to meet unmet civil legal needs (health law services) regionally. | See here – They are looking for people with a diverse range of skills and interests including lawyers, law students, social media and IT and web developers as well as people with fundraising, media or marketing communications skills. | 1, 2, 5 | ✔ | |
| Public Interest Advocacy Centre – Conducts test cases and strategic litigation in the public interest, and provides legal assistance, policy advice and training. Works closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities, and organisations to protect and promote human rights, in areas including policing, youth justice, child protection and truth-telling. They also engage in policy work through the drafting of submissions. | We welcome discussions with law firms and legal service providers (such as in-house teams) with an interest in potential pro bono partnerships. In the first instance, please contact us, indicating any areas of special interest. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer opportunities to individual volunteer solicitors. See here | 1, 6, 10, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
Campaigns
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTaR – Organisation that conducts lobbying, campaigns and advocacy in support of rights, justice and respect for Indigenous people (including children in out of home care and crime issues). | See here | 1, 5, 6, 11 | ✔ | |
| Change the Record – Campaign to close the gap in rates of imprisonment by 2040 and cut the disproportionate rates of violence with priority strategy for women and children. | Change the Record has capacity to supervise and assist pro bono lawyers to complete discrete tasks such as writing submissions, policy development, and research tasks. We prefer pro bono partners with experience in the First Nations Justice space. We also periodically require organisational pro bono support from an experienced solicitor on HR/employment and workplace policies. We would ideally like: (1) to have a long-term partner who can provide secondee support on discrete projects and/or (2) a long-term ongoing pro bono partner whom we can request support as needs arise. If you are interested, please contact Executive Officer, Sophie Trevitt at eo@changetherecord.org.au. | 1, 6 | ✔ | |
| Family Matters – National campaign for the rights of Indigenous children in out-of-home care and child removal issues. | Individuals and organisations are encouraged to join the campaign here | 1, 5, 11 | ✔ |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) – Provides direct services in criminal, family, care and protection law and tenancy services as well as policy and law reform work. | See here – Volunteers can get involved in research, law reform, human resources, campaigns, communications and IT. ALS is seeking enthusiastic PLT students to assist in their work in criminal law, care and protection and family law practice areas. ALS also invites volunteers to be involved in law and policy reform efforts, governance and other strategic projects outside of ALS’s court work. Please get in touch with Morgan Roche at morgan.roche@alsnswact.org. | 1, 5, 6, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
New South Wales (NSW)
Pro bono providers are encouraged to contact the Pro Bono Referral Schemes and Organisations to source pro bono matters. In New South Wales, please contact Justice Connect.
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) – Provides direct services in criminal, family, care and protection law and tenancy services as well as policy and law reform work. | See here – Volunteers can get involved in research, law reform, human resources, campaigns, communications and IT. ALS is seeking enthusiastic PLT students to assist in their work in criminal law, care and protection and family law practice areas. ALS also invites volunteers to be involved in law and policy reform efforts, governance and other strategic projects outside of ALS’s court work. Please get in touch with Morgan Roche at morgan.roche@alsnswact.org. | 1, 5, 6, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service – Works closely with the local police and court in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of Family Violence with ADVOs on list days. This includes family law and care and protection matters. | See here. Binaal Billa is especially looking for Pro bono assistance in the family law jurisdiction. | 1, 5, 9 | ✔ | |
| Many Rivers Family Violence Prevention Legal Service – Provides legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who have been victims of family violence or sexual assault as well as non-Aboriginal women with Aboriginal children and Aboriginal men who have been victims of violence. | 1, 9 | ✔ | ||
| Warra Warra Legal Service – Warra Warra Legal Service is a free legal service that provides legal advice, representation and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors of family violence in the Far West of New South Wales. | 1, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wirringa Baiya – Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre – Provides direct legal representation, advice and referrals to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women children and youth with a focus on helping victims of violence and sexual assault. Wirringa Baiya also advocates for policy reform by making submissions to State and Federal government bodies particularly regarding issues that affect Aboriginal women, children and youth who have experienced violence. | Wirringa Baiya welcomes the interest of legal and non-legal volunteers. Wirringa Baiya accepts female students completing their PLT depending on the Centre’s capacity. Please call (02) 9569 3847 or 1800 686 587, or email Wirringa Baiya at wirringa_baiya@clc.net.au. | 1, 4, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
Organisations with Indigenous initiatives
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services at the Tenant’s Union of NSW – are a collection of Advice and Advocacy Services in NSW that provides provides advice and advocacy to Aboriginal clients who have issues with their tenancy. | See here | 1, 5 | ✔ | |
| Community Legal Centres NSW – Peak body for CLCs in NSW. Has an Aboriginal legal access program. Makes regular submissions to key inquiries and law reform processes in NSW and Australia and supports various campaigns covering a broad range of social issues that aim to improve access to justice. | While law students are integral the community legal centre sector, increasingly community legal centres are also engaging students studying social work, community development, communications, IT, and business to carry out a variety of volunteer work. Volunteer roles vary in each centre, but common tasks are: • taking instructions from clients (under supervision of solicitors); • answering phones, making referrals, making appointment bookings, organising interpreters; • conducting research; • drafting correspondence; and • working on community legal education and law reform projects. To get in touch about volunteering or carrying out a university placement at Community Legal Centres NSW, contact your university. Community Legal Centres NSW does not take volunteers outside of university internship programs. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 11 | ✔ | |
| First Nations Women’s Legal Program ran by the Women’s Legal Service NSW – offers free services including free legal advice, assistance in finding a lawyer, recourses and information about the law and face to face advice through the FNWLP Outreach Clinics | See here | 1, 4, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | |
| Mob Strong Debt Help ran by the – Financial Rights Legal Centre – provides free telephone legal advice about credit, debt, banking and insurance. The Mob Strong Debt Help Line (1800 808 488) is a free helpline open from Monday to Friday. | 1, 2 | ✔ |
RRR CLCs
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Coast Community Legal Centre (CCLC) – Promotes social justice for the people of the NSW Central Coast (prioritises Aboriginal people). | See here – CCLC relies on the support of a wide range of volunteers, including solicitors, law students, law graduates and PLT placements. Legal volunteers assist with initial client inquiries, legal research and drafting documents, working on client files and giving legal advice. CCLC also needs people who would like to help with data entry, communications (newsletters, social media), fundraising, establishing and maintaining administrative systems, graphic design, gardening, property maintenance and general administration. Please call 02 4353 4988 or email contact@centralcoastclc.org.au | 1, 2 | ✔ | |
| Hunter Community Legal Centre – Provides free legal advice, assistance and representation for many disadvantaged members of the Hunter and Newcastle region. The centre also provides community legal education, clinical legal education and undertakes law reform. | See here – Hunter CLC welcomes volunteering applications from legally qualified and non-legally qualified volunteers. Law students interested in volunteering please contact (02) 4040 9121 or admin@hunterclc.com.au. Lawyers must complete and submit a volunteer application form, an expression of interest, a resume and any supporting documents such as references or certificates. If there are vacancies the applicants will be interviewed and offered a volunteering opportunity if considered suitable. Hunter CLC may at its discretion limit the length of time. Please contact admin@hunterclc.com.au | 1, 2 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre – Provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with tenant, family and domestic violence services. Provides free legal services including giving information and advice as well as carrying out community education and development, advocacy and law reform. | See here – The Legal Service welcomes volunteers as PLT students, clinical legal placement students from Southern Cross University, and earlier year law students as general administrative volunteers. Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service have specific requirements for volunteers and may take on volunteers on a case-by-case basis. | 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Thiyama-li Family Violence Service Inc. NSW – Not for profit organisation that provides a quality Family Violence Prevention Legal Service that is responsive to the needs of their clients and community. | See here | 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ |
Referral organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice Connect – Connects individuals and not-for-profit organisations (including Indigenous people and organisations who work with this population and who need legal assistance) with pro bono providers. Also works to change unfair laws through advocacy and national campaigns. | See here for law firms wanting to become a member. See here for individuals who want to volunteer. | 5 | ✔ | ✔ |
Northern Territory (NT)
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit – Provides culturally appropriate legal advice and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have experienced, or are experiencing family violence or sexual assault. CAAFLU also contributes to relevant policy and law reform initiatives on both a state and federal level. | The Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit welcomes pro bono assistance and is particularly interested in forming pro bono partnerships with family law specialists . Any pro bono partner would need to have an awareness of the impacts faced by our clients, especially the traumas, remoteness and lack of resources available to our clients. If you are interested, please contact Principal Legal Officer, Carol Smith at csm@caaflu.com.au. | 1, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Katherine Women’s Legal Service – Not-for-profit Community Legal Centre based in Katherine that provides women with accesses to free legal services and community legal education. They also undertake advocacy and law reform as well as providing outreach services to women in remote areas in the Katherine region. | See here for individuals; see here for corporate partnership information. Please contact info@kwils.com.au or call 1800 620 108 for more information | 1, 2, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council – NPY Women’s Council is an Anangu led organisation that delivers health, social and cultural services. They deliver a variety of community activities and programs that support conversations about safety, protection and care and engage in policy work through the drafting of submissions and position papers. | See here | 1, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Northern Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) – is an independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service. Legal advice and assistance in areas of family violence, care and protection of children, victims of crime compensation, family law, wills and housing. | See here. | 1, 2, 3, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) – Largest provider of legal services in the Northern Territory, providing legal aid and justice agency services to Aboriginal people including in remote locations. NAAJA regularly makes law and policy reform submissions on justice and related issues affecting Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. | See here – NAAJA is able to offer volunteer and intern placements to law students and graduates looking to gain paralegal experience in their Criminal, Civil and Law & Justice Projects Teams and in office locations across the Territory. They ask that volunteers commit to at least one month with NAAJA as shorter placements do not allow enough time for you to gain useful experience and contribute meaningfully to their work. In the criminal section, volunteers are exposed to a busy practice and will work with dedicated and experienced lawyers across a diverse range of matters including in the Local Court, Supreme Court and with Bush Courts. Working with the civil section will expose volunteers to a wide variety of work including housing, statutory compensation schemes, child protection, welfare rights, police and healthcare complaints and adult guardianship. In the Law and Justice projects section, NAAJA is involved in a range of innovative justice programs including the Bilata Legal Pathways Program, the Student Court, Community Legal Education, support for Cultural Authorities (Elder groups) in communities and in the preparation of law and policy submissions. Volunteers may have the chance to travel to one of the many remote communities serviced by NAAJA to assist with a ‘bush’ or circuit court, remote civil advice clinic, or community legal education session. To express interest, please complete and submit the EOI form. Please call 1800 898 251 or contact our Darwin Office on (08) 8982 5100 or email an EOI form to intern@naaja.org.au. | 1, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
RRR CLCs
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Australian Women’s Legal Service – Delivers a holistic, culturally safe, trauma informed legal service for women, particularly for those affected by domestic violence. The Central Australian Women’s Legal Service can also help with information about legal issues, legal advice and representation, referral to support services, community legal education and law reform advocacy. | 2, 11 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Darwin Community Legal Service – Provides assistance mainly regarding disability advocacy and legal assistance, seniors rights, tenancy and housing and a general legal service focusing on civil law with priority areas being social security, discrimination, guardianship, consumer law, credit and debt. They also engage in law reform, advocacy and campaigning. | See here – Darwin CLS is always looking for pro bono support through specialised legal assistance, research, submission writing, IT, communications, recruitment, finance, governance, training and development, mentoring. Volunteers not only gain an insight into the needs of the Darwin community, but also develop professional skills and connections through working closely with one another within a conductive environment. There is the option to volunteer at the free legal advice clinics. They are held at varying times throughout the month, with opportunities available for volunteers at Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston. Please contact the volunteer co-ordinator on 8982 1111 or volco@dcls.org.au | 1, 2, 10 | ✔ | ✔ |
Referral organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JusticeNet SA – Provides free legal help and a pro bono referral service to individuals and charitable organisations in South Australia (and the Northern Territory via its Federal Courts Self-Representation Service). | See here for how to become a member. See here for opportunities for student and graduate volunteers and retired and career-break lawyers. Student and graduate volunteers can expect to handle enquiries from the public, review applications for pro bono assistance across the spectrum of civil law, research legal issues, draft advice and undertake fundamental legal administrative and file management tasks. Retired and career-break lawyers can: • conduct telephone or face-to-face client interviews and assessing applications for pro bono assistance for complex matters; • discrete project work on law reform/policy issues of relevance to JusticeNet; and • participate in the delivery of low cost legal training to not-for-profit organisations. | 5 | ✔ |
Queensland (QLD)
Pro bono providers are encouraged to contact the Pro Bono Referral Schemes and Organisations to source pro bono matters. In Queensland, please contact LawRight.
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd – Provides criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and their families in Queensland and engages in community legal education and law reform. | For pro bono opportunities in Queensland, please contact LawRight. | 1, 5, 6, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland – Provides legal and other support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Southern Queensland. | For pro bono opportunities in Queensland, please contact LawRight. | 1, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | |
| Cape York Partnership – Pursues Indigenous empowerment in Cape York through research, development, working on innovative co-design, enterprise-building and on-the-ground reform. | For pro bono opportunities in Queensland, please contact LawRight. | 1, 5, 11 | ✔ | |
| Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service – Not-for-profit Legal Service that provides free culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities suffering from the direct and indirect effects of family violence and sexual assault. They prioritise Legal Service delivery while recognising and addressing the interrelated non-legal issues. They are committed to providing a culturally sensitive, safe and accessible service. | For pro bono opportunities in Queensland, please contact LawRight. | 1, 3, 4, 9, 11 | ✔ |
RRR CLCs
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns Community Legal Centre Inc – Provides accessible legal services for people in the community experiencing disadvantage. The Centre provides information and referrals, legal advice and in some circumstances, ongoing casework assistance. Their legal services include General Legal Service, Discrimination & Human Rights Legal Service, Cairns Mental Health Legal Service, Consumer Law Service, Family Law Service and Seniors Legal and Support Service. | For pro bono opportunities in Queensland, please contact LawRight. | 1, 2 | ✔ |
Referral Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LawRight – Operates a civil law referral service and direct legal services for disadvantaged client groups, and undertakes law reform, policy work and legal education in Queensland. Operates a Health Justice Partnership which has helped Indigenous clients with complex legal issues. | See here for information on how to become a member. See here for students who want to volunteer, either individually or through university organised volunteer programs and internships at student clinics. See here for In-House and Government legal units who want to participate in pro bono work. See here for retired and career break practitioners who wish to volunteer. | 5 | ✔ | ✔ |
South Australia (SA)
Pro bono providers are encouraged to contact the Pro Bono Referral Schemes and Organisations to source pro bono matters. In South Australia, please contact JusticeNet SA.
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM) – Provides legal support to Indigenous people in areas of civil and criminal law and is also involved in community legal education and advocacy work. ALRM also acts as a lobby group and, where able, implements support programs that assist in addressing some of the issues known to contribute to Aboriginal people coming into contact with the criminal justice system. | For pro bono opportunities in South Australia, please contact JusticeNet SA. | 1, 5, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation – Their services include legal advice and representation in the areas of family violence (intervention orders), child protection, family law and victims of crime. They deliver education programs to primary school students, high school student as well as women and men within their communities. They are an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. They are also involved in advocacy campaigns as well as policy issues when approached by other organisations. | For pro bono opportunities in South Australia, please contact JusticeNet SA. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
Referral Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JusticeNet SA – Provides free legal help and a pro bono referral service to individuals and charitable organisations in South Australia (and the Northern Territory via its Federal Courts Self-Representation Service). | See here for how to become a member. See here for opportunities for student and graduate volunteers and retired and career-break lawyers. Student and graduate volunteers can expect to handle enquiries from the public, review applications for pro bono assistance across the spectrum of civil law, research legal issues, draft advice and undertake fundamental legal administrative and file management tasks. Retired and career-break lawyers can: • conduct telephone or face-to-face client interviews and assessing applications for pro bono assistance for complex matters; • discrete project work on law reform/policy issues of relevance to JusticeNet; and • participate in the delivery of low cost legal training to not-for-profit organisations. | 5 | ✔ |
Tasmania (TAS)
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal service (TALS) – TALS is a non-government Aboriginal community law firm run by and for Aboriginal people. TALS provides free legal assistance, including information, advice, referrals and case work assistance for all Aboriginal peoples across Tasmania. TALS can assist in family, criminal and civil law matters. | 1, 5, 6, 9 | ✔ |
Victoria (VIC)
Pro bono providers are encouraged to contact the Pro Bono Referral Schemes and Organisations to source pro bono matters. In Victoria, please contact Justice Connect.
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dijirra – A place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to all Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. As most of their contact is with women, the work they do is predominantly designed by and for Aboriginal women. Djirra also engages in policy and advocacy work that aims to improve Aboriginal women’s access to justice, safety and equality. Djirra runs highly successful campaigns, maintaining a regular presence in decision making forums and committees, and contributing expertise to important government initiatives and inquiries such as the Royal Commission into Family Violence in Victoria. | See here Djirra’s volunteer program is for people who have experience in, or who are studying: law, community development, policy, Aboriginal studies or other relevant disciplines. Djirra will be seeking volunteers with strong analytical and conceptual ability, and excellent research and communication skills from March 2020. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Djirra is looking for help with court advocacy in the areas of intervention orders, child protection, family law & VOCAT. They are also looking for people to help with training and mentoring for lawyers in the areas of intervention orders, child protection, family law & VOCAT. There are also opportunities for pro bono lawyers to provide support with submission writing (policy and law reform activities). | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) – Addresses over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. Engages in direct client services, community education, research and advocacy around law reform and policy development. | 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
Referral Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice Connect – Connects individuals and not-for-profit organisations (including indigenous people and organisations who work with this population and who need legal assistance) with pro bono providers. Also works to change unfair laws through advocacy and national campaigns. | See here for law firms wanting to become a member. See here for individuals who want to volunteer. | 5 | ✔ | ✔ |
Western Australia (WA)
Pro bono providers are encouraged to contact the Pro Bono Referral Schemes and Organisations to source pro bono matters. In Western Australia, please contact Law Access.
Indigenous Organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Family Law Service Western Australia – Work with communities/victim/survivors of family and domestic violence to implement strategies for personal and community safety through a cultural approach. | For pro bono opportunities in Western Australia, please contact Law Access. | 1, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ | |
| Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) – Provides legal advice and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in WA in criminal, family, civil and human rights law with additional services in community legal education, advocacy and the protection and promotion of human rights. | For pro bono opportunities in Western Australia, please contact Law Access. | 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Marninwarntikura Family Violence Prevention Unit WA – Support women & their families by encouraging safety & well-being & fostering leadership & financial independence. MWRC provide activities, mentoring, support, access to culturally sensitive & respectful services, & advocacy. Their Family Violence Prevention and Legal Unit (FVPLU) delivers culturally appropriate legal representation and non-legal holistic support services primarily in the area of safety, wellbeing and strengthening family capacity. The FVPLU works with women and communities to find solutions to effectively address the impact & challenges experienced by women & children in relation to domestic & family violence. | For pro bono opportunities in Western Australia, please contact Law Access. | 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 | ✔ | |
| Wunan – Improves the lives of Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley through education, employment, accommodation and housing, welfare reform, leadership and health. | For pro bono opportunities in Western Australia, please contact Law Access. | 1, 5 | ✔ |
RRR CLCs
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Aboriginal Corporation Family Violence Prevention Legal Service – Their mission is to provide effective representation and resource delivery for Indigenous people on issues of health, housing, recreation, employment, education and training whilst promoting Noongar social and cultural values in the Great Southern and South-West regions of Western Australia. | For pro bono opportunities in Western Australia, please contact Law Access. | 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 | ✔ |
Referral organisations
| Organisations | Information for Pro Bono Providers | Justice Project Priorities | Direct Legal Services | Law Reform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law Access – Coordinates the giving of pro bono legal assistance by the Western Australian legal profession to not-for-profits and individuals. | See here – Opportunities are available to lawyers who register on the Law Access lawyer database. The database will send you information about your areas of interest. Law Access also welcomes secondees from private firms who second lawyers on a part-time basis to assist Law Access with triage and assessment of applications. | 5 | ✔ |
[i] The Justice Project Final Report published by the Law Council of Australia (Aug 2018) can be found here.
[ii] See Justice Project Final Report for specific recommendations on over-imprisonment. including: Justice Targets, expanding justice reinvestment trials, abolishing mandatory sentencing regimes, abolishing imprisonment from fine default, reforming bail and parole laws, expanding bail and parole accommodation and support programs, increasing availability of culturally-sensitive non-custodial sentencing options co-designed and run in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, develop comprehensive criminal justice policies and procedures that recognise profile of women offenders, implement custody notification services, re-prioritise police protocols and guidelines and expand culturally competent prison rehabilitation, through-care and post-release programs.
[iii] See Justice Project Final Report for specific recommendations on addressing intersectional needs. which include developing disability identification strategies, enabling better access to disability support services, co-locating disability support workers with Aboriginal community-controlled legal series and addressing concerns regarding unfitness to stand trial laws and lack of alternative accommodation.
[iv] See Justice Project Final Report for specific recommendations regarding child protection systems which include: use of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle to inform policy and address barriers, inclusion of national target forming part of the Closing the Gap framework and a national review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection as recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission.
Please note the Centre undertook the research to identify which priorities have been mapped to individual organisations. Not all organisations have confirmed yet whether the identified priorities are accurately mapped.