Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld)

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld), known as ATSILS, helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland with criminal, family and civil law matters. It is a non-profit, community-based organisation set up in 1972 to protect the legal and human rights of Indigenous people.

ATSILS gives legal advice and representation to clients and their families when they come into contact with the justice system. It also runs community legal education, law reform work, coronial and public sector monitoring, and Throughcare services to address recidivism.

Casework is subject to means and merit tests. Some clients receive free help, and others pay a contribution on a sliding scale.

ATSILS has its head office at Level 5, 183 North Quay, Brisbane. It has regional and satellite offices across Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Mount Isa, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. Its Free Call number, 1800 012 255, takes calls on all legal matters in business hours and arrests only after hours.

ATSILS handles criminal, family and civil law matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Most regional offices offer all three, though some smaller offices focus on criminal law and refer other matters to a larger office. It also offers 24 hour assistance at police stations, Throughcare services and community legal education.