Magistrates Court of Western Australia

Aboriginal Services

The Aboriginal Benchbook for Western Australian Courts

The Aboriginal Benchbook for Western Australian Courts contains information for the judiciary to alert them to cross-cultural issues which may arise in the conduct of court proceedings involving aboriginal people. The Benchbook is also a useful resource for any person involved in such proceedings.

The Benchbook was written by Ms Stephanie Fryer-Smith and published by the Australasian Institute for Judicial Management (AIJA). Hard copies of the Benchbook may be purchased through the AIJA.

The Aboriginal Benchbook for Western Australian Courts

Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

The Department of Justice provides the following services:

Aboriginal Mediation Service

The Aboriginal Mediation Service (AMS) aim is to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people resolve conflict before it escalates into violence and contact with the justice system. The AMS provides culturally appropriate dispute resolution assistance and mediation services across a range of areas, and its services are free, confidential and voluntary.

In addition, the AMS can provide information and assistance to Aboriginal people who may be participating in a shuttle conferencing process in respect to a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO), or another court-based mediation service.  

Contact details:

Level 23, David Malcolm Justice Centre
28 Barrack Street
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9264 6176
Freecall: 1800 045 577
Email: aboriginalmediationservice@justice.wa.gov.au

Further information on the Aboriginal Mediation Service.

Aboriginal Visitors Scheme

The Aboriginal Visitors Scheme (AVS) provides support and counselling for Aboriginal detainees and prisoners in prisons, juvenile detention centres and police lock-ups throughout Western Australia. Visitors are Aboriginal people committed to assisting and supporting detainees and prisoners in their local areas. They are employed on a casual, rostered basis but are available at all times to help those in custody.

The aim of the scheme is to ensure:

  • means are provided for reducing the likelihood of deaths and/or self-harm.
  • conditions of those in custody improve through consultation, advice and information to decision-makers.
  • Aboriginal community groups are properly informed on conditions of custody.

Contact Details

Suite 21 Piccadilly Square
7 Aberdeen Street
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9220 9400
Fax: (08) 9218 9829
Freecall: 1800 282 429

Further information on the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme.

In addition, the following services are accessible for Aboriginal communities:

Aboriginal Legal Service of WA
7 Aberdeen Street
East Perth WA 6004
Telephone: (08) 9265 6666
Fax: (08) 9221 1767
Freecall: 1800 019 900

Further information on Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.

Victim Services
District Court Building
Level 2, 500 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9425 2850
Fax: (08) 9221 2533
Freecall: 1800 818 988

Further information on Victim Services.

Child Witness Service
District Court Building
Level 2, 500 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9425 2850
Fax: (08) 9221 2533
Freecall: 1800 818 988

Further information on Child Witness Service.


Last updated: 25-Oct-2022

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