M2 - Learner Manual

What is the role of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander field officers?

The role of the field officer between organisations and across jurisdictions varies. In some jurisdictions, field officers may engage in advocacy at court, in other jurisdictions, this is not commonplace and may be restricted. Across all jurisdictions, the cultural expertise shared by field officers is invaluable to the quality of the legal services provided to clients.  

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service highlight the important role of client service officers:

“VALS maintains a strong client service focus which is achieved through the role of Client Service Officers (CSOs) who act as a bridge between the legal system and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”[1]

The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia sets out the duties of court officers (field officers) in their jurisdiction as follows: 

Court Officers are Aboriginal people employed by ALSWA. One of the main duties of an ALSWA Court Officer is to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Court of Petty Sessions and Children’s Court. A Court Officer’s authority to appear in Court comes from a Certificate granted under Section 48 of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (WA).

The main responsibilities of a Court Officer are:

·       To represent clients in the Court of Petty Sessions and Children’s Court for pleas of guilty, not guilty, remands and bail applications;

·       To assist in ensuring strong and successful communication between ALSWA lawyers and clients. This includes acting as a bridge in communication when there are language barriers, to ensure complete understanding and ultimately the proper representation of clients;

·       To do regular prison visits;

·       To provide basic legal advice to clients on all legal issues;

·       To do community legal education and liaison within Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and wider communities”[2]

It is important to have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities prescribed by the particular organisation that the field officer (or any other position) is to perform (and limitations) to ensure the role is performed effectively and clients are well served.