Ensuring Aboriginal self-determination is at the centre of our services

Our vision for reconciliation in Australia is that we have a fair and just society where everyone is equal. We recognise that in order to effectively contribute to this vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, our organisation must be culturally safe and responsive. This is why we’ve developed our Aboriginal Services Strategy 2020–25.

The strategy outlines how we will work in collaboration with Aboriginal legal services, practice partners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve the quality of, and access to, legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Achieving cultural safety requires an ongoing commitment and investment to transform our services. The implementation of this strategy over the next five years will ensure Aboriginal self-determination is embedded within the way we design and deliver all our legal services, said Alan Dewis, outgoing Associate Director, Aboriginal Services.

‘The strategy also formalises our commitment to expanding our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Program (ACE) where there is an identified need. The ACE officer is a non-legal role that provides a connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and our services, Our ACE officers are a vital, and enormously effective, in building connection with community,’ said Alan.

The development and implementation of the strategy aligns with our RAP2 commitments, and will work alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy 2020–25 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy 2020–25 (in development).

Read the strategy

Read our Aboriginal Services Strategy 2020–25 (pdf, 59.04 KB)(opens in a new window) or the Word version.