Community programs

The Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) program delivers invaluable support to clients all over the state with ALOs stationed in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie, this program ensures that clients receive both legal and non-legal assistance tailored to their needs.

Starting from the initial intake assessment, ALOs remain actively involved with clients, facilitating connections to necessary services and offering cultural guidance. This critical support helps clients navigate the complexities of the justice system while ensuring they understand their rights and available options.

ALO’s advocacy goes beyond individual assistance. They regularly attend court alongside clients and serve as vital intermediaries between clients, lawyers, and other service providers.

Their presence helps to demystify the legal process, providing comfort and clarity to individuals during challenging times. By raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal communities in the justice system, ALOs help bridge systemic gaps. TALS’ ALO’s have cultivated strong relationships with local Aboriginal organisations and community services. 

These collaborations ensure that clients receive comprehensive support, reflecting our commitment to holistic community care.

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Program is a vital program introduced by TALS to support the wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people on remand and in prison across Tasmania.

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Program sees TALS team members working within the prison system to provide culturally safe support to Aboriginal people in custody that promotes their health, wellbeing and healing. This process includes their families, and the broader Aboriginal communities, and is delivered in a manner that promotes rehabilitation and reintegration. Funded by the Tasmanian Government, this program is a significant step towards ensuring Aboriginal peoples receive the care and advocacy they deserve. 

The Bridgewater Youth Hub is a joint initiative between TALS and the Brighton Council that will create a culturally safe, multi-purpose space dedicated to improving social justice outcomes for young people, particularly young Aboriginal community members, in the Brighton municipality. This standalone youth cooperative will provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where young voices are central to daily operations and decision-making.

Designed to operate beyond the traditional 9-to-5 model, ‘the hub’ will offer essential wraparound services and early intervention programs tailored to young people's needs. By fostering connection, empowerment, and opportunity, it will provide much-needed support to prevent, divert, and reduce youth involvement in the justice system. The hub will focus on creating culturally safe pathways for social and emotional well-being, ensuring young people can access the resources, guidance, and community connections they need to thrive.

Through collaboration with local services and community-led initiatives, the Bridgewater Youth Hub will be a vital space for mentorship, personal development, and early intervention - working to break cycles of disadvantage and build a stronger, more connected future for young people in the Brighton municipality.

For more information regarding Bridgewater Youth Hub developments and current initiatives in the Brighton region visit the website - https://www.bridgewateryouthhub.com.au/

TALS continues to play a pivotal role in the Justice Policy Partnership (JPP) through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Peak Body. The JPP brings together government bodies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to address the disproportionate incarceration rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and youth.

This partnership provides a platform to advocate for urgent reforms to prevent Aboriginal deaths in custody and reduce incarceration rates. By emphasising community-led solutions, the JPP aligns with Closing the Gap objectives, driving initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Through this program, TALS contributes to empowering communities to negotiate and implement agreements with governments. These agreements focus on achieving all Priority Reforms and fostering place.