Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice

The ALA’s vision for reconciliation is of a society that provides fairer outcomes and justice for everyone, and in doing so addresses the systemic injustice that currently impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise that the Australian legal system has dispossessed, disempowered and marginalised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and has often failed to adequately represent them.

We advocate for law reform that protects and promotes justice, freedom and the rights of individuals and particular groups. This commitment applies to everyone in Australia, and we acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have unique needs that need to be addressed as we work towards achieving equality and self-determination.

The areas of focus for our policy work include:

• Advocating for constitutional recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament;
• Addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system;
• Ensuring access to well-funded and appropriately resourced legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
• Addressing the obstacles and barriers that make it difficult for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with disability to access appropriate support services, including the NDIS;
• Obtaining fair redress for the serious injustice suffered by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who were abused as children in institutions, following their forced removal from their parents and their subsequent institutionalisation.

Our policy and advocacy work is guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan which formalises our commitment to reconciliation.

Our submissions to date in relation to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples include: