Community engagement in the Far North
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Community engagement in the Far North

Image may contain: 8 people, people smiling, people standingMossman – Kuranda – Yarrabah

Staff from our Brisbane office ventured to Cairns, Mossman Kuranda & Yarrabah recently to meet with community members including representatives from the local justice groups. The team shared legal education resources related to blue card applications, provided information sessions and application assistance for the Royal Commission into Child Abuse and discussed some of the key justice issues facing these communities.

In Yarrabah the team met with local shire Mayor Ross Andrews and and Gindaja. It was great to hear about the important work being undertaken by the Gindaja Community Justice Program and to spend time with their Coordinator Lerissa and talk about ways we can work together to help address some of the justice and social problems facing the community. Some of the key issues discussed included problems related to domestic violence, driving offences and issues arising from breaches of community alcohol management plans.

ATSILS is committed to engaging with community regularly to ensure our services are responsive to local need and this trip provided an important opportunity to connect with local people and identify areas of need in relation to legal education and awareness.

to connect with local people and identify areas of need in relation to legal education and awareness.

Supporting Pathways to Legal Practice
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Supporting Pathways to Legal Practice

Image may contain: 4 people, people smilingPictured here are Melda, Sarah, Robyn and Tegan, four of our finest aspiring Indigenous lawyers from the Cairns office.

These ladies work with ATSILS across our Court Support and Paralegal roles, strengthening their commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whilst on their path to legal practice. Melda, Sarah and Robyn are well into their Law degree studies and Tegan is a recent graduate.

ATSILS is committed to supporting staff on their justice journeys and we’re keen to develop future opportunities within our workforce to ensure staff are able to progress from key support roles to legal practice within the organisation.

What’s ATSILS like as an employer? Hear directly from some of our dedicated team.
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What’s ATSILS like as an employer? Hear directly from some of our dedicated team.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service provides innovative, professional and culturally competent legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people & their families across Queensland.

On the Road to Cherbourg with our Murgon Office
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On the Road to Cherbourg with our Murgon Office

This week our Director of Sector Engagement and Communications and our Prevention, Intervention and Community Legal Education Officer paid a visit to our Murgon office to spend time with the fantastic ATSILS team delivering quality services in the South Burnett region.

The team shared cake and important discussions with Cherbourg elders and the local Justice Group and it was a good opportunity to hear about some of the current justice issues facing this historic community. ATSILS shared a range of legal education resources and information about the Prisoner Throughcare Program with the group..

Working in whopping 45 degrees in the shade, it was great to see the dedicated Murgon team in action. They are a true representation of the strong commitment to community displayed by all our regional offices.

Cherbourg Justice Group
Cherbourg Justice Group
ATSILS Murgon Team
ATSILS Murgon Team
ATSILS - Court House Murgon
ATSILS - Court House Murgon
ATSILS at Murgon
ATSILS at Murgon
Cherbourg
Cherbourg
Ration Shed
Ration Shed
Prisoner Throughcare – Cultural Camps: Connection to culture & the fine art of diverting our young ones away from the justice system.
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Prisoner Throughcare – Cultural Camps: Connection to culture & the fine art of diverting our young ones away from the justice system.

Connection to culture & the fine art of diverting our young ones away from the justice system. Our Prisoner Throughcare Program is a part of the fabric of a justice reinvestment approach. Check out some of the innovative work happening in the Townsville region connecting young offenders with their culture as a foundation change and breaking the cycle of offending.

Human Rights Awards – ATSILS CEO Shane Duffy named among the 5 inspiring finalists for the 2016 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award
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Human Rights Awards – ATSILS CEO Shane Duffy named among the 5 inspiring finalists for the 2016 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award

Shane Duffy Human Rights Awards

ATSILS CEO Shane Duffy is among the five inspiring Australians who have been named finalists for the 2016 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award. It’s great to see his tireless commitment and leadership in advancing & protecting the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognised.

Shane is a descendant of the Kalkadoon people of North West Queensland and has worked in human services for more than 25 years specialising in child protection, youth justice and family support. Shane has been CEO of the QLD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service for the past 11 years and is the current Co-Chair of the Change The Record Coalition looking to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system.

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/stories/inspiring-individuals-named-awards-finalists

Client Satisfaction Survey Annual Report for 2015-16
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Client Satisfaction Survey Annual Report for 2015-16

When delivering our innovative, professional and culturally competent legal services across Queensland we always seek feedback on the assistance provided to clients. Client feedback is captured periodically to ensure we are delivering quality assistance in line with needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families, and that meet the requirements of our funding body (Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department). Below are the collated responses and data analysis for our Client Satisfaction Survey  Annual Report 2015/2016.

View full report

 

Part A: Statistical Information

 

 Table 1: Summary of Client Satisfaction Surveys (2015-16)

Client Satisfaction - ATSILS Representation

Number of Clients Surveyed: 1,188              Criminal Law:    1125                      Civil Law:         21             Family Law:   42
Part A: satisfaction level of legal representation
Very satisfied 835 70.29%
More than satisfied 128 10.77%
Satisfied 216 18.18%
Unsatisfied 3 0.25%
Very unsatisfied 6 0.51%
Part B: General Observations
Was it easy to locate our office? Yes                  791 No               11     N/A          386            
How quickly seen? Quickly           909 Fairly Quickly     269 Too Slowly       10
How treated by staff? V. Well   958 Well           169 Adequately   60 Poorly    1
Comprehensible explanation? Yes           1180         No                  8                               
Satisfied with staff handling? Yes          1184                 No                4                     
Culturally sensitive? Yes          1171               No                17                       

Conclusion: An excellent outcome – with in excess of 81% of clients being either very satisfied or more than satisfied with the service provision received – with less than 1% of clients being unsatisfied.

 

 Table 2: Satisfaction by Remoteness Index (all law types)

Client Satisfaction by Remoteness Index

OfficeLocation VerySatisfied More thanSatisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied VeryUnsatisfied PercentageSatisfied +
Metropolitan 159 22 15 1 1 98.99%
Regional 475 80 150 2 2 99.44%
Remote 201 26 51 0 3 98.93%
Totals: 835 128 216 3 6 99.24%

 

Table 3: Satisfaction by Law Type

ATSILS Client Satisfaction by Legal Assistance Type

Law Type VerySatisfied More thanSatisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied VeryUnsatisfied PercentageSatisfied +
Criminal 785 117 215 3 5 99.29%
Civil 16 4 1 0 0 100%
Family 34 7 0 0 1 97.62%
Totals: 835 128 216 3 6 99.24%

 

Note: Office by office figures are also analysed (albeit not contained within this report)

 

Part B: Client Feedback (written comments – by office location)

ATSILS Service - What do our clients think?

Beenleigh Comments:-

  • Very prompt service
  • Communication was good
  • Could be better by checking that everyone has representation

Brisbane Comments:-

  • Work organisation & construction of the case defence & common knowledge
  • Very happy
  • Things we well explained
  • Has been with me from the start – without her I would be here writing toady – Power to the people
  • Lawyer was excellent in keeping me informed of all aspects of the case and provided me excellent advice and support and I am very grateful & appreciative of this support and would recommend ATSILS to any future clients.
  • Could be better with replaceable lawyers if needed

 Bundaberg Comments:-

  • Happy with my advice
  • Nat was very helpful in explaining the process to me – thanks
  • Thanks you for helping so much
  • I was impressed with service, really happy with representation – thanks you
  • All aspects of assistance was great, excellent communication
  • Looked after my best interests
  • Everything was very good
  • Good support
  • My matter was dealt with – very excellent results

Charleville / Cunnamulla / Roma Comments:-

  • It was extremely good how Solicitor kept in contact with us & was upfront form the start was really pleased with outcome
  • Very good
  • Direction given was very good
  • Happy with outcome
  • Great staff very helpful
  • Could have been better by not changing solicitors as we had to keep telling the same story (3 solicitors)
  • The contact I was very happy with
  • It is better now than it was 4 years ago
  • Had a good solicitor
  • Happy with outcome and Laurie representing me
  • Explained what I can’t understand
  • This was the best service I ever have had and it was because of the solicitor
  • Could have been better – office was a little untidied, paperwork could be put away

Hervey Bay Comments:-

  • Excellent communication between the service and myself – up to date, reports and info regarding the process
  • Easy to work with and kept me informed with court hearings
  • Professional in all areas
  • Went well thank you so much

Ipswich Comments:-

  • Communication was very good I knew what was happening at every step can’t thank him enough for his efforts
  • Communication was great
  • Extremely good
  • My lawyer was a straight shooter and what he says he does and he actually cares
  • Spoken to nicely & everything was explained very well
  • Solicitor was amazing, caring and gave me the time of day and made me feel at ease
  • Service was fast and explained well
  • I got the best outcome, staff was great and always been helpful
  • The way I was treated was good
  • Always go above and beyond
  • Really in touch with the family  and do all I asked thank you more than words could say
  • Very please pf outcome of court and my lawyers service
  • Could have been better – I saw [name omitted from report] for 2 minutes, I felt I wasn’t given the time of the day, I felt he was rude and felt lessor of a person compared to him

Mackay Comments:-

  • My representation was good
  • They were good in all areas
  • My completed service was great
  • I was very happy that ATSILS represented me
  • All good
  • Everything went fine
  • Representation was really good & they listened to me
  • Happy with the lot e.g. outcome and representation
  • I was happy with the solicitor who represented me
  • They were very through happy with outcome
  • Got me a good outcome
  • Everything went fine
  • My solicitor was very successful with the little information she had
  • Overall 100% great
  • Representation & explanation of charges and outcomes was good
  • Solicitor asked questions and very clear
  • Representation and explanation was very good
  • Could have been better – my solicitor was unsure and did not feel confident
  • Could have been better with a full time family lawyer it was stressful when I couldn’t get one

Maroochydore Comments:-

  • I was treated with respect and they helped me and listened to me
  • Great – keep up the good work
  • Very easy to communicate with and work with
  • Very happy with service
  • Very professional also listed to my events and delivered the same to the court
  • Very well explained for my understanding
  • Tim was fantastic in the way he handle everything on the day and the lead up Very pleased thank you so much
  • I wouldn’t go anywhere else for legal advice
  • Legends they listened to you
  • Al round very good service
  • Rod did the best he could with the charges I had
  • Very helpful with everything
  • He done everything he could & I am happy with the outcome
  • Getting charges dropped to a lesser charge. Explaining when was happening throughout the course of going to court
  • The service was great very understanding do their job to a high standard and will use them again and recommend them to other people
  • I couldn’t ask for a better solicitor 
  • She is particularly through and everything got done – team was brilliant
  • Mediation was excellent – getting somewhere there
  • My matter was such short notice – 4 days to put it together – working w/ends – the team did such a great job
  • They went the extra mile to make calls to me everyone was really considerate to my needs
  • They made sure I understood the legal jargon – I finally got a resolution
  • I felt that all the legal assistance and representation in relation to my family law matter was outstanding 
  • Very helpful and personal service I felt supported and communication was clear and upfront
  • Solicitor answered all my questions – very good explanation at what could happen and how he could help me in this situation
  • Could have been better – parking was very difficult

Murgon Comments:-

  • I thought they were helpful
  • Explained all aspects of defence well
  • Services were good
  • Staff are easy to talk to and do a very good job
  • At any time of day I was able to contact by phone or email. Made it much easier through the ordeal
  • Following up with me and leaving messages as I struggled through the last 6 months. Being available to answer phones calls / reassure on weekends and receiving written confirmation of court outcomes
  • Could have been better – I felt let down in May of this year when the [omitted] lawyer,  [name omitted from report] didn’t help me with my case re: [omitted]
  • Could have been netter – A little bit disappointed that they couldn’t attend the watch house quicker. I don’t like spending the whole day locked-up

Normanton Comments:-

  • Very good rep from the lawyer
  • First time – very good
  • Could have been better – more presence in the community

 Rockhampton Comments:-

  • Lawyers and support always there to help. There was no judgement and I am extremely happy with the outcome
  • Thanks ATSILS
  • I was very satisfied
  • Very happy for the way that ATSILS acted on my behalf very thankful and appreciated
  • Super satisfied thank you heaps
  • Communication is awesome 
  • Thanks for the advice on the warrant
  • Top efforts
  • Thanks Shayne
  • Stoked – brilliant
  • Thank ATSILS, CJG and ISL court for your help
  • Thank you helping me get my charge being dismissed
  • Thanks you for case conferencing my matters
  • Excellent communication
  • Happy with service and staff – NOT happy worth curt outcome

Southport Comments:-

  • Very satisfied
  • I will use you Aboriginal Legal Aid all the time
  • Happy with the service and outcome
  • As always very helpful
  • I was most impressed with Sunil, he was very professional and very helpful
  • They looked after me very well
  • Very happy
  • Very professional and caring explained everything in detail
  • They did everything I could have wanted and more
  • Explain things well
  • Help was very good
  • I was more than happy with the service’s received, very much appreciated
  • It was my first time going to court and my lawyer was very good and made me feel relaxed
  • As always my lawyer gives me information and legal advice I ask for. She is always supportive in any situation that I have and willing to help if she can. Always points me in the right direction
  • I was very happy that we resolved my problems

Thursday Island:-

  • Service was good
  • Very professional approach and open and easy to talk to
  • Well done keep up the good work
  • You guys are great
  • Very satisfied for the way you handle my case
  • Client service was good
  • Good at explaining the matter and outcome and clear communication
  • My first time at court and a charge was dropped to this helped me – I like that the legal service and court come to Badu
  • Everything was good and satisfied with the outcome
  • I would recommend ATSILS to all in the area
  • Good having a field office who explains to understand
  • Service was very excellent and always concerned about me
  • Could have been better – in need of an interpreter for kids
  • Could have been better – tell me what’s going on and too much court dates
  • Could have been better – May need a microphone or PA system – Magistrate couldn’t hear because of the fans

 Toowoomba / Dalby / Goondiwindi / St George / Warwick / Chinchilla Comments:-

  • Great support everything was explained
  • I am very happy I still have my licence
  • Extremely satisfied
  • You are the best
  • Good to talk to it a good system and very helpful
  • Listened to me
  • Good service
  • Extremely good communication between myself and lawyer, very helpful on all levels
  • Very good so happy with the outcome
  • Explained everything

Townsville Comments:-

  • Had an outstanding lawyer.  Professionalism really shone through. I would recommend him to anybody he has changed our lives forever we will be forever in his debt. Thank you will all our hearts.
  • Lawyer delivered a great service & he was culturally appropriate in delivering a quality service
Partners in Crime Prevention & Access to Justice – Townsville
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Partners in Crime Prevention & Access to Justice – Townsville

It was fantastic to meet with key stakeholders in Townsville last week as we work to strengthen productive partnerships to enhance the delivery of our quality legal assistance, specialist court representation and some of our early intervention and prevention initiatives.

Our Stakeholder Engagement team had the privilege of spending time with:

  • Jean from the Townsville Justice Group to discuss the re-establishment of Murri Court and how we can work better together to assist clients and support this important court service;
  • Melissa, Tanya and all the fantastic team at Mission Australia to discuss the critical support they provide to vulnerable kids and the success they’re having in diverting many away from further contact with juvenile justice system. A true highlight was seeing the innovative work ATSILS and Mission Australia are doing together under the current MoU in delivering cultural camps to youth at high risk of re-offending. These camps are delivered by proud Juru man and our youth Prisoner Throughcare Officer – Trevor and are designed to connect youth with culture, give them a sense of belonging and strengthen their identity as key triggers for them to start making positive changes in their lives; and
  • The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal & Advocacy Service working to combat racism, violence, poverty, sexism and discrimination of all kinds that affect the interests and aspiration of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women.
Court Support & Prisoner Throughcare – Innovative Service Delivery in North Queensland
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Court Support & Prisoner Throughcare – Innovative Service Delivery in North Queensland

Last week the Marketing and Communications team visited our Townsville office to capture some key insights into our specialist Court Support and Prisoner Throughcare roles. It was fantastic to hear about some of the innovative work they’re doing to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Our Prisoner Throughcare Program (PTC) in Townsville assist women, men and our young people at high risk of re-offending by connecting them to culture, community and support services relevant to their particular needs. The support networks the team design for each case provides clients with a strong platform for them to break their cycle of offending. The program is a prime example of a justice reinvestment approach in action with both proactive and reactive responses used to successfully divert many away from the criminal justice system.

It was also great to spend time with our Court Support Officers (CSOs) and it quickly became clear why they are the heart & soul of our culturally competent service delivery. Our CSOs are usually local people with strong connections to the community. They are highly skilled professionals that can effectively engage mob, enhance communication between our lawyers and clients and do their best to ensure mob understand their legal rights at all times. Our committed CSOs work hard to break down the many barriers preventing equal access to justice for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

A big thank you to Michael and all the team for their warm welcome and especially to the staff who took time out of their busy schedules to share their stories and talk about the inspiring work they’re doing on camera. Stay tuned for the upcoming video resources starring the deadly Townsville team.

Rural and Remote Court Circuits – Servicing South West Queensland
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Rural and Remote Court Circuits – Servicing South West Queensland

Last week our Director of Communications and Sector Engagement Graham joined Di and Divina on the road to justice in South West Queensland. Graham got to see first hand the great work they do in assisting clients on rural and remote court circuits in this vast region.

The journey was a good opportunity to gain insight into the high demand for our services in these rural locations with the team working long days dealing with a high volume of matters and roughing it in the flash 5-star court facilities in towns like St George.

In many regions across this great state ATSILS undertake court circuits to ensure access to justice for the many mobs living in locations where no -one else will go. At the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service a critical element of our business model is making sure our services reach not only the socially disadvantaged but also the geographically disadvantaged in rural and remote locations.

SWQ Court Circuit Oct 2016
SWQ Court Circuit Oct 2016