NOTE: This role open from 06 November and close 29 November 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEDT)

Position Overview

Indigenous Family Liaison Officers provide culturally informed in-Court support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are involved in family law proceedings or accessing Court services.

The role supports Judges and Registrars who preside over Specialist Indigenous Lists and who hear a high proportion of matters involving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander litigants. Indigenous Family Liaison Officers work collaboratively within the pre-existing Court structure to support all events in the case management pathway, including hearings, Court Children’s Service events (such as interviews between parents and children), and dispute resolution events, to enhance cultural understanding, support participation in Court processes, and contribute towards culturally safe practices.

Indigenous Family Liaison Officers support ongoing engagement between the Courts and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes helping to explain Court processes to litigants and highlighting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the Courts, identifying barriers to participation, and linking litigants with culturally appropriate supports. They are required to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with local colleagues inside the Courts, as well as establish and maintain external networks.

The Courts’ preference is for the Indigenous Family Liaison Officer role to be full-time, however, depending on the operational needs, the position may be part‑time.



Part‑time employees must be flexible in their availability, particularly during periods in which the Courts’ Specialist Indigenous Lists are conducted, when the Courts are circuiting to regional and remote locations, or the Judges otherwise require additional support.

Key Responsibilities

The Indigenous Family Liaison Officer role is primarily focused on supporting families navigating the Court system in matters where an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child involved.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Supporting litigants:

- Explaining Court processes, requirements, and the importance of attending and participating in Court events to litigants.
- Attending Court hearings and explaining Court processes and requirements to litigants.
- Assisting litigants with the filing of Court documents.
- Supporting participation in Court Children’s Service events and dispute resolution events to ensure that litigants and other significant persons are able to fully participate.
- Engaging with the Court as needed to provide contextual information about practical or cultural obligations which may be affecting a litigant’s ability to participate in proceedings.




- Connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants to legal and other community‑based services.
- Engaging with key internal stakeholders, including the Committees and Working Groups as needed.

2. Engagement and collaboration:

- Engaging with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and support organisations to raise awareness of the Courts’ role in family law matters, and some national or regional organisations as needed.
- Building and maintaining robust working relationships with Judges, Registrars, registry staff and support services.
- Liaising with Independent Children’s Lawyers (where appointed).
- Under the guidance and support of the Director – Indigenous Operations, Policy and Support and Director – Family Violence, Access, Equity & Inclusion, contribute towards cultural awareness and capability across the Courts.

Capabilities and Attributes

- The ability to explain Court processes and services in a clear, culturally appropriate way to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities.
- An understanding of the family law system or the capacity to quickly develop this knowledge.
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals, including children and families in complex circumstances.
- An understanding of the impartiality of the Courts and the ability to provide appropriate support within that framework.
- Proven ability to work effectively and autonomously, with guidance from senior staff when required.
- Demonstrated resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities while working effectively in a complex and bu

📌 Indigenous Family Liaison Officer (Australia)
🏢 Collaw
📍 Australia