Newsflash:

We’re open every day except Good Friday, 29 March. View our Easter opening hours here ›

Legal information for Aboriginal people

Find information about the law for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Getting Help Hands of two aboriginal men shaking

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) is an Aboriginal community organisation giving information, referral, legal advice, and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children across NSW and the ACT. 

ALS works in criminal law, children’s care and protection law and family law.  They also run the Custody Notification Service, a 24-hour legal advice and RU OK phone line for Aboriginal people taken into police custody. 

If you need a lawyer, please contact the ALS on one of these toll free numbers:

  • for police charges and court matters call 1800 765 767
  • for care and protection and family matters 1800 733 233.

LawAccess NSW is a free service that provides legal information, advice and referrals for people who have a legal problem in NSW.

They have Aboriginal staff who can talk to you about your legal problem and also connect you with other services, including Aboriginal Legal Services, if ​you need more help.

Find out how to access many support services on the My rights as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander page. 

Legal Aid NSW has a range of pamphlets and fact sheets designed specifically for Aboriginal people. Click on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander publications topic.

Topics covered include fines, caring for children, kids in care, family law, and wills.

Anti-Discrimination NSW 

Anti-Discrimination NSW has an Outreach Program staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which provides a culturally appropriate service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 


Your money

Revenue NSW First Nations Team

The First Nations Team helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People manage their fines. Call the First Nations line on 1800 002 345 Monday to Friday from 8.30am- 5.00pm. Your call will be free and confidential.

MoneySmart

ASIC's MoneySmart website has information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including videos and Indigenous money tips.

The Mob Strong Debt Help service is part of the Financial Rights Legal Centre. They provide free telephone legal advice about credit, debt, banking and insurance. Call them on 1800 808 488.

Centrelink provides payments and support to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.


Your rent

Tenants' Union of NSW

For information about your rights as an Aboriginal tenant, you can call your local Aboriginal Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service

On the Aboriginal renters page you will find news, resources and fact sheets covering topics including the rental bond, when you start renting, repairs, avoiding problems when renting, if your landlord wants to end your agreement, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).


Your work

Fair Work Ombudsman - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find fact sheets and videos for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples about starting a new job, your rights and entitlements, taking time off for Sorry Business, sorting out problems at work, and ending work.


Read more

The Law Handbook

The Law handbook: your practical guide to the law in NSW is the single most important plain English guide to the law in NSW. It provides a practical guide to 40 legal topics – legal issues which affect people in their everyday lives.

Read chapter 2: Aboriginal people and the law 

This book is also available in every public library in NSW.

Planning ahead

Find information about writing a culturally appropriate will in the NSW Trustee and Guardian booklet the Aboriginal Wills Handbook.

See also Legal Aid NSW Who gets my stuff when I die?