This is a submission from the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) in Australia, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS). ATSILS were established in every State and Territory over 40 years ago to provide culturally competent legal assistance services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ATSILS are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled not-for–profit organisations which, through funding from the Australian Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, provide legal assistance services in the areas of criminal, family and civil law in addition to undertaking community legal education, prisoner through-care and law reform and advocacy activities.