Indigenous: Overview

Indigenous icon

The job of the Court is to help families work out problems they may have when families have separated. This is not a criminal court. It’s a civil court, set up to help families and to keep children safe. This court is sometimes called the Family Court.

When you and your ex-partner or other family members can’t agree on things like who the children will live with, how much time the children will spend with each parent, grandparent, carers, or other family members, you can ask the court to help you decide. The court can also help you work out financial or property matters connected to your separation.

Use this section of our website to find out about services available to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They include dedicated Indigenous Family Liaison Officers who can help you when you come to court, and Specialist Indigenous List, which are designed to be easier and safer for First Nations people.

Indigenous Family Liaison Officer regions and Court locations

The Courts registries are located in major centres. The Courts also circuit to rural and regional areas across Australia.

Indigenous Family Liaison Officers (IFLOs) are based in many locations and service broad areas as outlined in this map.

IFLO region map

An IFLO can help you when you come to court. If you would like the support of an IFLO please use the contact number below for your area, 8.30am to 5.00pm (AEST), Monday – Friday:

Region

Contact number

Townsville 0499 567 790
Brisbane 0492 142 858 or 0418 658 480
Lismore 0499 689 312
Newcastle 0499 806 535 or 0472 607 085
Sydney 0418 451 508
Melbourne 0407 882 077
Launceston 0474 469 933
Adelaide 0427 897 672 or 0499 654 451
National Director 0499 566 696