- Published:
- Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 6:00 pm
The framework maps the cultural capabilities needed by the legal sector when representing or advising First Nations people involved in the legal system.
Culturally accessible, safe and responsive legal services are crucial for improving First Nations peoples' access to justice. This First Nations-led framework lays the foundations for strengthening legal practice.
Becoming more culturally responsive is not a destination; it is a continuing journey. The framework seeks to help lawyers and others start and continue that journey.
The launch of the framework by the three partner organisations begins a long-term cultural capability uplift project that will include training specifically designed to help Victorian lawyers deliver quality legal advice, support and representation.
‘The tailored learning opportunities guided by this framework will provide a unique opportunity for Victorian legal professionals to build on and continue to develop the skills and understanding they need to support better justice outcomes for First Nations people,’ said Executive Director Ashley Morris, First Nations Services.
‘This understanding can make all the difference for First Nations clients, their families and communities.’
Change is long overdue
This First Nations-led framework is an important step towards long overdue change in how legal services are provided to First Nations clients.
Following the 2022 Coronial Inquest into the tragic and preventable death of Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman, Veronica Marie Nelson, Coroner McGregor stressed the importance of helping legal practitioners to be more capable of responding to First Nations people appropriately.
The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations are clear that anyone involved in the criminal justice system should have 'the capability, competence and support necessary for them to carry out their obligations under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act and other human and cultural rights laws'.
We know it is critical that we support an improvement in the cultural capability of legal practitioners. To deliver quality legal aid services for First Nations people, it is necessary for both Victoria Legal Aid lawyers and our panel practitioners to have access to First Nations-designed and delivered training.
‘As the largest provider of legal services in Victoria, we are committed to playing our role in improving outcomes for First Nations people within the legal system,’ said our Chief Executive Officer Toby Hemming.
‘Culturally safe and responsive assistance is essential in providing quality legal services that empower First Nations clients to make informed choices about their legal options.'
‘We’re proud to be a partner in this First Nations-led project – an Australian first.
‘We know that supporting our legal professionals to begin, or continue, their cultural learning is an important contribution to much needed change in the legal sector.’ – Toby Hemming
More information
Read the joint media release
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