First Nations Justice

The commitment of the First Nations Justice Practice to improving access to justice for First Nations people is central to our work at Redfern Legal Centre.  

On this page

The First Nations Legal Officer, Tobias Elliott-Orr, a proud Wiradjuri and Māori man whose family come from Cootamundra, and the First Nations Engagement Worker Ashleigh Bridge, a proud Wiradjuri woman with matriarchal lines across Cowra and Dubbo collaborate in the First Nations Justice Practice to empower First Nations people and communities and facilitate access to justice. 

Ashleigh Bridge
Tobias Elliott-Orr

The commitment of the First Nations Justice Practice to improving access to justice for First Nations people is central to our work at Redfern Legal Centre.  

RLC provides priority legal services to First Nations people across all practice areas. The First Nations Justice Practice ensures our services are accessible, culturally sensitive and safe, and trauma informed. 

The First Nations Justice Practice addresses the ongoing impacts of colonisation by: 

Assisting clients with the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme. 

Addressing ongoing oppression and injustice in institutions, including police, criminal justice system and child protective services.

Assisting with general legal issues, such as: 
 

  • Credit and debt problems 

  • NSW Trustee and Guardian matters 

  • Victims' compensation 

  • Fines 

  • Tenancy 

  • Domestic and family violence 

  • Elder Abuse 

  • Scams 

  • Identification/Birth Certificates 

LEGAL ENQUIRY FORM

RLC works closely with organisations including Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT/NSW), RedLink, WEAVE, Lou’s Place, Women’s and Girl’s Emergency Centre, Aboriginal Medical Service, Nelly’s Healing Centre, Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, Coota Girls, and Tribal Warrior. Together, we work to Close the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW. 

 

Redfern Legal Centre stands with a coalition of Aboriginal and legal organisations that say a secret proposal to tighten NSW bail laws for children would make NSW regional communities more dangerous. Multiple government sources have indicated off the record that a proposal to introduce punitive law and order measures – including changes to bail laws that will result in more children going to jail – may be considered as early as this week.
Media conference about Bail Laws

Law reform updates

Three Aboriginal flags on a string - photo tinted orange
News

In October 2020, RLC police accountability solicitor Samatha Lee appeared before The Select Committee into the High Level of First Nations People in Custody and Oversight and Review of Deaths in Custody.

First Nations Justice news

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Gadigal Land, PO Box 1805,
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012