A Cultural Experience for Reconciliation: In My Blood It Runs
Sussex Street Community Law Service was proud to attend the screening of In My Blood It Runs and group discussion with local Elders....
top of page
We are committed to increasing access to legal assistance for people with disability.
The Sussex Street Community Law Service Disability Justice Advocacy Project is a commitment to ensuring that people with disability have equal access to justice.
We are seeking an understanding of the community needs to develop strong formal referral pathways between disability service providers and WA community legal services (CLCs).
Disability Legal Priority Phone Line
If you are a person with disability and you need legal assistance, our priority line has been set up to support you.
(08) 6383 7880
9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
About the Project
The project focus is on the development of formal referral pathways between disability service providers and WA community legal centres (CLCs). Early identification of (potential) legal issues and need for legal support allows a timely referrals for people with disability, First Nations People and young people at risk.
We recognise the need for ongoing consultation with people with disability. Improving access to legal assistance for young people and First Nations Australians will ensure better outcomes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Western Australia currently imprisons Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at a higher rate than any other Australian State.
Furthermore, First Nations People are disproportionately over-represented in our prison system.
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability reports that:
- 3% of the population are First Nations people.
- 28% of prisoners were First Nations people.
- At least 26% of First Nations people coming into prison reported having a disability.
Our commitment to law reform and promoting social justice means that we must address these matters. We do this by supporting collaborative and formal referral pathways to specialist legal support for First Nations People.
Youth at Risk
63% of children in detention were unsentenced whilst waiting for the outcome of their court matter or sentencing.
Unfortunately, in Western Australia, the adult imprisonment rate was 29 persons per 10,000 adult population. 23 children (aged 10-17) per 10,000 are under supervision.
685
young people aged 10 and over were under youth justice supervision.
23 per 10,000
young people aged 10–17 were under supervision.
20 x
young indigenous people were 20 times as likely as non-Indigenous young people to be under supervision.
59%
of children under supervision aged 10–17 were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Compounding factors such as youth, indigenous status and disability need very tailored and dedicated whole-of-community responses in order to safeguard legal rights.
We'd love to hear from you.
We are interested in hearing from people with disability, who have experience with the legal system and need(ed) legal assistance.
We are also interested in hearing from people, who work with people with disability.
We would like to hear about your experiences of trying to assist a person with disability to find legal assistance.
News and Events
This service is funded by the Department of Communities.
bottom of page