AFLS Court Advocates Certified: Strengthening Community-Led Justice in Regional WA
Aboriginal Family Legal Services (WA) Court Advocates Receive Ministerial Certification Under Section 48
Aboriginal Family Legal Services (WA) (AFLS) is proud to announce that its inaugural cohort of Aboriginal Court Advocates has officially received Ministerial certification under section 48 of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (WA).
This certification marks a significant milestone in strengthening culturally secure access to justice for Aboriginal people across Western Australia.
Court Advocates Program: Certified and Ready to Support Communities
Following completion of a comprehensive five-month training program delivered by senior staff and specialist contributors, the following Aboriginal Court Advocates have now been authorised under section 48:
- Hayley Annesley – Port Hedland
- Carlos Wania – Port Hedland
- Lisa Street – Kalgoorlie
- Michelle Morrison – Kalgoorlie
- Dona Kelly-Rahman – Broome
With Ministerial certification now granted, these Advocates are authorised to assist Aboriginal clients in court and, under supervision, appear in civil matters.
Expanding Court Advocacy Capability Across the Regions
This certification formally establishes section 48 Court Advocate capability within the following AFLS regions:
- Port Hedland – strengthening courtroom support capacity in the Pilbara
- Kalgoorlie – enhancing civil law advocacy in the Goldfields region
- Broome – expanding culturally secure representation in the Kimberley
By embedding trained Court Advocates in these locations, AFLS is increasing on-the-ground legal support in regions where recruitment of permanent legal staff has historically been challenging.
The Advocates are local Aboriginal people with strong knowledge of their communities, geography and cultural context, ensuring culturally secure and community-informed courtroom assistance.
A First for Civil Law at AFLS
While AFLS has long delivered advocacy and holistic client support, this initiative represents the organisation’s first structured Court Advocate program operating specifically within civil law under section 48 authority.
The training program included: Introduction to the Australian Legal System
- Cultural Sensitivity and Self-Care
- Role of an AFLS Court Advocate
- Court Advocacy Skills
- Community Engagement and Education
Site visits to Magistrates Courts, Family and Domestic Violence Resource Centres, and the Children’s and Family Courts in Perth
AFLS also acknowledges the valuable contribution of Legal Aid WA for sharing expertise during the training program.
AFLS Chief Executive Officer Mary Corina Martin OAM said the certification represents an important step forward for community-led justice in Western Australia.
“This is a powerful step toward self-determination within the justice system. By empowering Aboriginal people under section 48 to represent and support their own communities in civil court matters, we are strengthening access to justice in a way that is culturally secure, community-led and sustainable.
The addition of certified Court Advocates in Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Broome significantly strengthens our regional capability and ensures more Aboriginal clients can access informed and culturally safe courtroom support close to home.”
“This is a really important milestone for AFLS and for our communities. Having Aboriginal Court Advocates trained and authorised under section 48 means our people are now supporting our people directly in civil law matters and that’s exactly what communityled justice should look like.
By building this capability in Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Broome, we’re strengthening access to culturally safe support close to home. This isn’t just about skills; it’s about creating sustainable pathways for our communities to navigate the justice system with confidence, respect and cultural security.
I’m incredibly proud of what this program represents and where it will take us next.”
Why This Matters
Improved Access to Justice
Regional communities often experience limited legal workforce availability. Court Advocates help bridge gaps by providing consistent, culturally secure courtroom support.
Local Employment and Leadership
The program creates meaningful employment pathways for Aboriginal people committed to justice and community service.
Holistic Support Model
The Court Advocates complement AFLS’s integrated service model, combining legal assistance with social and emotional support to meet the full needs of clients affected by family violence and related civil matters.
Looking Ahead
With certification now granted, AFLS Court Advocates will begin assisting clients in civil court proceedings under supervision across the Pilbara, Goldfields and Kimberley regions.
AFLS will mark this milestone with a formal graduation ceremony celebrating both the Advocates’ achievement and the expansion of Aboriginal-led justice advocacy across regional Western Australia.
