Media Releases
14/09/2016
National Aboriginal justice leaders meet in Alice Springs where this week two youth have been remanded in circumstances which amount to a breach of the Youth Justice Act
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice leaders from across the country meet today on Arrernte country after receiving reports that this week children in Central Australia have been remanded in circumstances that would amount to breaches of the Youth Justice Act.
05/09/2016
Immediate action necessary to protect children in NT detention
As the Northern Territory’s Royal Commission holds its first public hearing, leading Indigenous and human rights organisations are calling on the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to immediately protect the human rights of young people currently in detention.The Human Rights Law Centre, Amnesty International and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services are urging both governments to be ... Read More
19/08/2016
Calls for independent oversight following new reports of abuse in Queensland youth detention centres
Amnesty International as well as the ABC’s 7.30 Report and Lateline programs have uncovered significant reports of abuse in two youth correctional institutions in Queensland, following a Freedom of Information request where they obtained access to thousands of pages of documents.NATSILS has called for independent oversight as well as a commitment to the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal ... Read More
16/08/2016
Ms Maher’s tragic death while in a police station cell in NSW requires urgent investigation
On behalf of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) Co-chairs, Mr Wayne Muir and Ms Cheryl Axleby would like to express their sincere condolences to Ms Maher’s family, friends and community. Her death requires urgent investigation.
28/07/2016
NATSILS joins over 100 organisations calling on Malcolm Turnbull to broaden the Royal Commission
Today the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) joined with over 100 organisations, including other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak representative bodies, in an open statement calling for the Government to broaden the recently announced Royal Commission into the abuse of children in detention in the Northern Territory.
26/07/2016
NATSILS welcomes the announcement of a royal commission into the shocking treatment of youth in detention in the Northern Territory
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services expresses shock at the horrifying images of mistreatment aired on the ABC Four Corners program at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre last night. NATSILS welcomes the swift action to call a Royal Commission into the treatment of children in detention.
23/06/2016
NATSILS welcomes renewed focus and attention on fine default reform but notes concern of any proposals to garnish social security payments
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal Services (NATSILS) supports the notion of ending imprisonment for unpaid fines; however, all parties must demonstrate how any reforms will accommodate vulnerable and disadvantaged persons.
21/06/2016
NATSILS welcomes funding focus for family violence prevention
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) welcomes the renewed focus on family violence policy with the Coalition’s announcement of $25 million to address violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities yesterday.
09/06/2016
The Redfern Statement 2016: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations unite
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) has united with other community leaders in Redfern this morning to call on political leaders to tackle inequality and disadvantage facing Australia’s First People as a federal election priority.
26/05/2016
NATSILS welcomes Greens commitment to increase investment in front line services by $2.2 billion over 4 years
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal Services (NATSILS) welcomes the Greens’ election commitment to boosting funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS).