Aboriginal Legal Service

ALSWA aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and advance their interests and aspirations through a comprehensive range of legal and support services throughout Western Australia. In contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies, it is important to recognise the significance of land, family relationships, language, cultural values and traditional law. ALSWA recognises the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is committed to protecting and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and aspirations. The law and legal system are to be used to bring about social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a whole. This requires that strategies be developed and used in areas of legal advice, legal representation, legal education, legal research, policy development and law reform. ALSWA believes that responsibilities go hand in hand with rights. While recognising that many people are victims of unjust systems in the wider community, ALSWA encourages groups and individuals to exercise personal responsibilities. ALSWA is responsive to change and is committed to developing a Statewide network of services that are accessible by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ALSWA understands that co-operation with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organizations, Government, other legal services and relevant agencies is an essential component of the work it does. The contribution of Executive Committee members, staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and volunteers and supporters within the general community is highly valued.