ATSILS

ATSILS helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland with criminal, family and civil law matters. It is a non-profit, community-based legal service that was established in 1972.

The service gives legal advice and representation to people who 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 repeat offending.

ATSILS has more than 200 staff. Casework is subject to means and merit tests, and some clients receive free help while others pay a contribution on a sliding scale.

ATSILS has its head office at Level 5, 183 North Quay, Brisbane, and more than 20 offices across Queensland. The Southport office is at Suite 8, 19 Short Street. Other offices include Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Ipswich and Maroochydore, with satellite offices in smaller towns.

ATSILS mainly handles criminal law, with family and civil law representation and advice as well. It offers 24 hour assistance at police stations, and its free call number is 1800 012 255. After hours, that number takes custody notifications for new arrests only. Not every office handles every area, and some refer civil or family matters to a larger office.