📢QCOSS Human Rights Network: A Child’s Right to Education Webinar! 📢
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📢QCOSS Human Rights Network: A Child’s Right to Education Webinar! 📢

When: 9 June 2026 – 11:30 am through 1:00 pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

Every child deserves access to a safe, supportive, and inclusive education. Yet, too many young people are being pushed out of the school system and into the youth justice system. It’s time to change the story.

ATSILS’s very own Pree Sharma (Legal Practitioner, Law Reform and Community Legal Education) will be speaking this QCOSS event, joining other campaign partners to discuss the critical intersection of education, human rights, and youth justice, standing up for our children’s rights and advocating for systemic change.

If we want to build safer, stronger communities, we must start by keeping our children engaged in learning and out of cells.

Join the conversation and stand with QLD kids.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghj-HaPW

HumanRights EducationIsARight RaiseTheAge YouthJustice CommunityLegalEducation ATSILS QCOSS ARightToLearn

ATSILS Family and Civil Law Gathering 2026
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ATSILS Family and Civil Law Gathering 2026

Last week, members of our Family and Civil Law teams from across Queensland gathered on Yuggera and Turrbal country in Brisbane (Meanjin) for the ATSILS Family & Civil Law Statewide Conference. ⚖️✨

Following an Acknowledgement of Country, the delegation received a warm welcome and opening remarks from our Chair Ken Georgetown, CEO Shane Duffy, and Principal Legal Officer Greg Shadbolt—setting a collaborative and inspiring tone for three days of intensive professional development.

The dynamic program focused on practical training, sector updates, and strengthening our state-wide collegiate network. We extend our sincere thanks to the incredible guest speakers and industry experts who shared their time and vital insights:

  • Belinda Aisbett, Rachel Frankish, Natalie Cranston and Adam Ross (ATSILS POD Team) who presented on Workforce Development
  • Melissa Lightburn & Tyron Day – Administrative Review Tribunal QLD First Nations Liaison Team
  • Audrey-Bella Moran – Data and File Management
  • Shane Budden (Special Counsel Ethics, Queensland Law Society)
  • Senior Judicial Registrar Flintoff – Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia
  • Anand Shah (Barrister) – Mediation Practice
  • Craig Smith (Director of Legal Practice, QUT) – Courtroom Advocacy Masterclass
  • Magistrate Mac Giolla Ri – Magistrates Court QLD
  • Hamish – Blue Card Services QLD
  • Dr. Gavan Palk (Barrister & Forensic Psychologist) – Client Capacity and Mental Health
  • Dr. Tarli Young (UQ Centre for Excellence) – Workplace Well-being

We also want to acknowledge the exceptional work of the ATSILS POD team, Jennifer Ekanayake (ATSILS Director of Family Law) and Simon Burgess (ATSILS Director of Civil Law) for their meticulous event planning and management, and a big thank you to Aiden Harrison for doing such a fantastic job facilitating the conference! 👏👏

Our practitioners returned to their respective regional hubs upskilled, re-energised, and deeply committed to delivering high-quality, culturally robust legal services for our communities.

 

Celebrating Torres Strait Islander Flag Day! 💙💚🖤
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Celebrating Torres Strait Islander Flag Day! 💙💚🖤

ATSILS acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the Torres Strait. Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity with Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrating an unbroken legacy of rich culture, identity, pride and leadership represented through the Torres Strait Islander Flag.

Designed in 1992 by the late Bernard Namok Senior of Thursday Island, the flag was formally acknowledged as an official “Flag of Australia” by the Australian Government in 1995. It stands as a powerful symbol of unity and connection to Country.

What the colors and symbols of the flag represent?

🟩 Green – Represents the land and its deep connection to the people.

🟦 Blue – Represents the surrounding seas that give life and sustenance.

⬛ Black – Represents the proud Torres Strait Islander people themselves.

⬜ White Dhari (Headdress) – A symbol of peace, leadership, and distinct cultural identity.

⭐ Five-pointed star – Represents the five major island groups (Western, Eastern, Central, Port Kennedy, and Northern) and pays tribute to seafaring ancestors and traditional navigation.

#TorresStraitIslanderFlagDay #Culture #Pride #Identity #ATSILS #FirstNations #TorresStrait #Unity

NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE – UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM missing in action
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NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE – UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM missing in action

NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE
UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM
missing in action
8 May 2026

NATSILS-2605-MR-UN-alarm-over-racism-080526.pdf

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has handed down
a scathing statement on the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children in Australia’s so-called criminal justice system.

The Committee warned the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the criminal legal
system in Australia “reflects systemic and structural racial discrimination against Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

The Committee noted deep and grave concerns that multiple Australian states and territories
enforce a lower minimum age of criminal responsibility than the threshold under international
human rights law; that children are being held in solitary confinement and fitted with spit
hoods; and that Australian children are subject to harsh adult penalties, including life
imprisonment.

Nerita Waight, Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
(NATSILS), says that evidence and condemnation are mounting against Australia’s harmful
child incarceration policies.

“This is yet another warning flare to the Prime Minister that Australia is heading down a
dangerous path. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being sacrificed so that
state and territory governments can score political points,” Ms Waight said.

“The Federal Government has the legal authority and the moral obligation to enforce our
national human rights obligations, including raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in
line with international standards.

“The world watchdog for racial discrimination is calling Australia out for its blatant disregard
for children’s rights and its persistent racism. This is shameful. The Prime Minister cannot
ignore this. In years to come, he can’t say he didn’t know.

“We are urging the Prime Minister to call an emergency summit on youth justice. We are
waiting and the world is watching,” Ms Waight said.

Media contact: Catalina Casar, 0421 547 759, catalina.casar@essentialmedia.com.au
The statement from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination can be
found at:
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%
2FCERD%2FSWA%2FAUS%2F11498&Lang=en

ATSILS Civil Outreach Legal Clinics – Far North Queensland 2026
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ATSILS Civil Outreach Legal Clinics – Far North Queensland 2026

⚖️ ATSILS Civil Outreach Clinics will be held in Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Mt Garnett, Ravenshoe, Kuranda, Mossman, Cooktown and Hopevale throughout 2026. There will also be separate clinics held in Yarrabah and Innisfail – contact ATSILS Cairns for details.
Delivered by members of our Cairns Civil Law Team in partnership with local Community Justice Groups, these clinics provide the community with free & more accessible legal advice and assistance in their communities.
Whether you’re dealing with a difficult landlord, unfair debt, workplace issues, or need help with a Will, come and see our team at one of the events listed below and in Flyer linked here.
🛠️ What we can help with:
✅ Housing & Tenancy
✅ Debts & Payday Lending
✅ Employment Law & Workplace Rights
✅ Wills & Superannuation
✅ Blue Cards & Driver’s Licence Hardship
✅ Police Accountability & Discrimination
Even if your matter is about Family Law, Domestic Violence or Child Protection – come see us—we can provide the right referral pathway to ensure you get the help you need.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. Reach out to your local coordinator listed in the contact tile below to book an appointment!
Open Letter to PM Anthony Albanese – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Incarceration Rates.
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Open Letter to PM Anthony Albanese – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Incarceration Rates.

Sign the Open Letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Right now, there are more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison than ever before.
From coast to coast across our lands, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being criminalised and imprisoned at alarming rates.

This is happening because state and territory governments are more concerned with political point-scoring  than evidence-based reforms.

That is why more than 200 organisations and leaders have come together to urge the Prime Minister to show national leadership.

We are calling for a national emergency summit on youth justice, so that key decision makers in government can listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal experts and leaders in a setting where community-controlled organisations lead the discussion.

Will you sign the open letter to add your voice?

📢 Important Service Update: South Burnett & Surrounds Flooding
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📢 Important Service Update: South Burnett & Surrounds Flooding

Our thoughts are with our community in the South Burnett region, and particularly Bundaberg, as it continues to face significant flooding.

Due to local road and bridge closures impacting the Bundaberg CBD, some of our staff are currently unable to access the office. However, we are still here to support you.

🕒 Current Service Status:
Court Services: We are continuing to provide Court services today.

Bundaberg Office: While physical access is limited, our team is monitoring phones and emails remotely.

Statewide Support: Our broader statewide team will also step in to assist with calls where required to help ensure support is available during this time.

📞 How to Reach Us:
For all legal matters or urgent assistance, please contact our statewide team toll-free 24/7:
👉 1800 012 255

Please stay safe, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid travel through floodwaters.

#Bundaberg #SouthBurnett #FloodAlert #CommunitySupport #LegalAssistance

Workplace Gender Equality Authority Employer Statement

Workplace Gender Equality Authority Employer Statement - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd

WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY AUTHORITY (WGEA) EMPLOYER STATEMENT 2026 

 ATSILS is committed to continuing to foster a culture of gender equality.  We provide equal opportunities, fair treatment, and an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender. By promoting diversity and reducing any gender biases, we aim to create a workplace where everyone can excel and contribute to our collective success. 

 ATSIILS actively monitors and reviews workforce composition, remuneration, leadership representation, flexible work arrangements, and employment conditions regardless of gender. 

We are focused on: 

  • Providing equal remuneration for work of equal or comparable value 
  • Ensuring fair and transparent recruitment, promotion, and performance management processes 
  • Supporting flexible working arrangements to assist employees in balancing work and caring responsibilities 
  • Preventing discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in all forms 
  • Fostering a safe workplace culture that values diversity, respect, and inclusion 

Our commitment and focus are embedded into our relevant policies, practises, and decision-making processes. 

Workplace Gender Equality Authority Employer Statement – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd

 

Community Legal Education (CLE) delivered to COOEE Elders
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Community Legal Education (CLE) delivered to COOEE Elders

ATSILS CLE Cooee EldersLast week, ATSILS lawyers Pree Sharma and Natasha Goddard traveled to Cleveland on Quandamooka Country to deliver a Community Legal Education (CLE) session for COOEE Elders.

The session focused on the essential pillars of future planning:

  • Wills
  • Enduring Powers of Attorney
  • Binding Nominations for Superannuation

It was an engaging session filled with robust discussion. The Elders’ interest and thoughtful questions highlighted the critical importance of proactive legal planning and ensuring one’s affairs are in order.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Aunty Margie and the COOEE Elders team for their invaluable partnership in coordinating this visit.

Education is at the heart of empowerment. ATSILS remains committed to providing accessible legal support to the community. We offer free and confidential services for these matters. If you or your community or organisation would like to learn more, please reach out to our team.

#AccessToJustice #CommunityLegalEducation #ATSILS

Advocating for Change: Our Voice in the Justice System 🏛️⚖️
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Advocating for Change: Our Voice in the Justice System 🏛️⚖️

At ATSILS, our work goes beyond the courtroom. We are always working behind the scenes to challenge and change laws that disadvantage our people. 🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍
Through our Law Reform and Advocacy work, we make sure that the voices of our community are heard. We provide the evidence needed to show how laws negatively affect our people and how they can be made fairer.
We’ve recently finished several important submissions to Government, including:
🛡️ Youth Justice & Monitoring: Fighting for better ways to support our youth rather than just increasing surveillance.
🏛️ First Nations Education: Pushing for cultural safety and better outcomes for our kids in school.
⛓️ Inquiry into Incarceration: Looking at the “why” behind high rates of prison time and how to fix a broken system.
🛑 CCC Review: Holding the watchdogs accountable to ensure transparency for everyone.
This work is all about accountability and making sure the justice system becomes one that is fair, transparent, and culturally safe for all of us. 👊🏽
🔗 Read our full submissions here: https://atsils.org.au/submissions/