Plain language resources for Aboriginal people in NSW
Produced by the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW for the Legal Information and Referral Forum, November 2009. To check for recent plain language resources in English and other languages go to the Foundation’s search engine,
Plain language law search.
Although some of these resources may be out-of-date we have still included them as they provide an indication of the range of resources available. They may also indicate resources that need updating.
Contents
Consumers
Getting a fair go at the CTTT, Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, 2009, 8p.
http://www.cttt.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/Resources/Publications/Indigenous/Getting_a_fair_go_at_the_CTTT.pdf
This booklet provides information to assist the Aboriginal community to better understand the services available to them from the CTTT. The booklet outlines the process of conciliations, hearings and decisions and provides a case study.
Indigenous, Office of Fair Trading, 2008
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Indigenous.html
This section of the Office of Fair Trading website covers issues of specific interest to Indigenous Australians, including consumer issues in relation to business, credit and loans, shopping, consumer rights and tenancy.
Don't get tricked... know the rules, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), 2006, 1p.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=764867&nodeId=aff55f67f6964f7b52005fbe625b3253&fn=Dont%20get%20tricked%20-%20know%20the%20rules,%20poster.pdf
This poster addresses consumer issues in Indigenous communities with a focus on contracts. In particular, a contract being a legal binding document, the importance of having someone who understands English read the contract and that signing the contract means you have agreed to its binding conditions.
Mad choices: the indigenous youth guide to getting a fair go, NSW Office of Fair Trading, 2007, 8p.
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/About_us/Publications/Indigenous/ft220.pdf
This guide is for Indigenous youth in NSW. It contains information about consumer rights in the areas of renting, buying a car, shopping, credit and mobile phones.
Understanding money: good practice in developing financial literacy initiatives with Indigenous Australians, Financial Literacy Foundation, 2007, 54p.
http://www.understandingmoney.gov.au/documents/IAgoodpracticeprinciples.pdf
This booklet outlines the basics of understanding money and details 'good practice' principles when developing financial literacy programs with a particular focus on Indigenous clients.
Dealing with ‘book up’: a guide, Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), 2005
http://www.fido.asic.gov.au/fido/fido.nsf/byheadline/Book+up?openDocument
‘Book up' is credit offered by stores and other traders for the purchase of goods or services allowing consumers to buy goods now and pay later. This guide tells stories of what communities and organisations around Australia have done in dealing with ‘book up’, describes the information and material they have used, and provides contact details.
Moola talk, Streetwize Communications, Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), 2003, 8p.
http://www.fido.asic.gov.au/asic/pdflib.nsf/LookupByFileName/moola_comic.pdf/$file/moola_comic.pdf
Moola Talk is an educational resource designed especially for remote indigenous communities. It gives practical tips about common financial problems, including credit cards, warranties, banking and insurance. It is currently in English but will be translated into Arrernte, Walpiri and Pitjantjatjara.
Artists in the black, Blanch Lake & Ross Carnsew, Arts Law Centre of Australia, 2005, 25p.
http://www.artslaw.com.au/LegalInformation/Indigenous/AITBInformationComics.asp
These factsheets address legal issues relating to Indigenous artists and communities including contracts, copyright, moral rights, intellectual property and other Indigenous cultural issues.
Paying for funerals: tips for Indigenous consumers, Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), 2008, 6p.
http://www.fido.asic.gov.au/asic/pdflib.nsf/LookupByFileName/Paying_for_funerals_Indigenous.pdf/$file/Paying_for_funerals_Indigenous.pdf
This booklet aims to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to purchase products to pay for a funeral. It covers available options for paying for funerals, superannuation, using insurance (life and health), assistance for veterans, funeral plans and insurance and what organisations can offer assistance.
Stop the press, Streetwize Communications, 2004, 8p
This comic looks at the knock on effects of problem gambling and aims to enable gamblers and their families to seek help and support. It includes contact details for services in NSW.
What to do in money troubles: a guide to consumer rights for people in Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Illawarra Legal Centre, 2003, 37p.
This publication covers the main points to be aware of with regard to the following topics: banking, loans, debts, homes, cars, income, shopping, mobile phones, insurance and fines. It also includes a list of places to go for further information and a resource list.
Discrimination
Discrimination and sexual harassment, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2006, 1p.
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Discrimination
This pamphlet briefly explains when discrimination is against the law, what sexual harassment is, and provides contact details for organisations which deal with such matters.
Know your rights: guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on discrimination and harassment, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Program, Anti-discrimination Board of NSW, 2005, 28p.
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/adb/ll_adb.nsf/vwFiles/Know%20your%20rights.pdf/$file/Know%20your%20rights.pdf
This guide targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and offers information about determining discrimination, what types of complaints can be made to the Anti-discrimination Board of NSW and the complaints process.
Discrimination and the Anti-discrimination Board of NSW, Anti-discrimination Board of NSW, 2008, 4p
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/adb/ll_adb.nsf/vwFiles/Disc+adb%200705%20for%20web.pdf/$file/Disc+adb%200705%20for%20web.pdf
This factsheet outlines the role of the Anti-discrimination Board of NSW and explains what discrimination is, what types of discrimination and harassment are illegal in NSW, victimisation, vilification (racial, homosexual, HIV/AIDS and transgender) and making a complaint.
Discrimination and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: get the facts: know your rights, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), 2006,
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/sex_discrimination/publication/get_the_facts/index.html
These factsheets cover a number of topics related to pregnancy including discrimination, getting a job, discrimination in education, sickness, maternity and parental leave, returning to work and breastfeeding at work. They also contain contact details for relevant organisations.
Domestic violence and sexual assault
A little black book for strong black women, Violence Against Women Specialist Unit, 2007
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/vaw/ll_vaw.nsf/vwPrint1/vaw_index
This violence prevention diary for Aboriginal women is designed to reduce sexual assault and domestic and family violence experienced by Aboriginal women and children in NSW. It includes legal and educational information around sexual assault and domestic violence, contacts, messages from women who have experienced sexual assault and domestic and family violence, and calendar, address and note pages.
Footprints to where we are: a resource manual for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's services, Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), 2005, 120p.
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/_uploads/rsfil/00121.pdf
This is a resource manual on child welfare and development and governance for services working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children. It covers key approaches, terms and service provision in the child and family welfare sector.
It's not right: Enough is enough, Gayle Kennedy & Ross Carnsew, Streetwize Communications, 2005, 28p
http://www.streetwize.com.au/publications_aboriginal.html
This comic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women looks at how to identify family violence and what to do if you are experiencing it. It contains one story from a man's perspective and one from a woman's perspective, plus contact details for advice and assistance.
Through young black eyes: a handbook to protect children from the impact of family violence and child abuse, Kenny Bedford & Michele Moloney, 2nd edn. Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), 2005, 154p.
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/projects/default_resources.cfm?loadref=61
This book discusses family and domestic violence with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It covers child abuse and neglect, sexual assault, reporting child protection matters and a directory of services and resource information for each state.
Safer lives, better health: understanding and responding to domestic/family violence, Education Centre Against Violence, 2006
http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/ecav/index.asp?pg=12&s=RV
This DVD is aimed at health and interagency workers with a role in identifying and responding to people who experience domestic/family violence. It aims to contribute to understanding the dynamics of domestic/family violence, the tactics used to perpetrate domestic/family violence and the short and long-term health and social effects on those who are victimised.
Big shame, who's the loser, Education Centre Against Violence NSW Health, 1999, 20 mins
http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/ecav/index.asp?pg=0&s=R#Big%20Shame
This DVD is a story about Emma, a young girl who is being sexually assaulted by her grandfather. It shows the seriousness of child sexual assault and the difficulties facing a family and community where sexual abuse is happening. It encourages discussion about the effects of child sexual abuse, the things offenders do to trap children and what needs to happen to keep children safe.
Sexual assault, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Sexual%20Assault
This factsheet defines sexual assault or rape and includes information on child sexual abuse.
I am an Indigenous woman, NSW Rape Crisis Centre, NSW Rape Crisis Centre 2003
http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/Information%20Sheets/I-am-an-Indigenous-Woman.htm
This factsheet is aimed at Indigenous women who have been raped and service providers working with these women.
Domestic violence and AVOs, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2006, 1p.
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Domestic%20Violence%20and%20AVO
This pamphlet briefly explains domestic violence including physical, sexual, emotional, social and financial. It also explains what an AVO is, how to get one and how it works.
Don't be shame let's yarn!, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/DBSLY
This factsheet is aimed at Indigenous women and children who are victims of violence. It contains information and definitions about different types of violence and discrimination and contact details on where to get help.
Our silence is abusing our kids: what can our communities do about child sexual assault?, Women's Legal Services NSW, 2004
http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/publications-womens-legal-services-nsw.htm
This illustrated resource contains stories about responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities across NSW. It outlines what child sexual assault is, where to go for help and what to do when a child tells you about sexual assault.
Women's Legal Service NSW pictorial pamphlet, Women's Legal Service NSW, Streetwize Communications, 2007, 10p.
http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/publications-womens-legal-services-nsw.htm
This is a pictorial informational pamphlet on domestic violence with advice line contact numbers for Women's Legal Services NSW.
Our dream: stopping the violence, Women's Legal Services NSW, 2nd edn. 2007, 48p.
http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/documents/OurDreamWeb19-4-07.pdf
This information booklet is for Aboriginal women, and discusses domestic violence and the law in NSW. The edition has been updated to include legal information about the changes to NSW domestic violence law that occurred in March 2007.
NSW Rape Crisis Centre factsheets, NSW Rape Crisis Centre, 2003
The Centre has produced a range of guides on topics including: "Understanding sexual violence", "Does anyone know how I feel", "Myths and realities", and specific information for communities such as rural, NESB, Aboriginal and disabled women and at risk groups.
Women's domestic violence court assistance program: helping you go to court to get an ADVO, Legal Aid NSW, 2008, 2p.
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile296.pdf
This brochure is specific to Aboriginal women who are experiencing family violence. It explains what family violence is, what can be done, what an ADVO is, how to get help to get an ADVO and a contact list of service providers.
Employment
A guide to employing staff in NSW - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, Office of Industrial Relations, 2009
http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/Indigenous_people/Employing_Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_staff.html
These web pages provide a guide to employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in NSW. The guide provides information on recruitment, working hours/rosters, leave entitlements, health and safety and termination of employment as well as contact details of other agencies who can provide further information and assistance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, Office of Industrial Relations, 2009
http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/Indigenous_people.html
This web page provides an introduction to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Workplace Services Unit. The Unit aims to help ATSI people understand their rights and responsibilities as employees, managers and employers. It advises on laws relating to pay rates, employment conditions, leave entitlements and work practices, issues covering recruitment and termination of employment, pay slips and employment records.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander information FAQs, Office of Industrial Relations, 2007
http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/workplace/atsi/faqs.html
These web pages contain answers to questions frequently asked by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people on issues relating to NSW awards, holiday entitlements, CDEP programs, termination of employment and unfair dismissal.
Environment
Caring for country: a guide to environmental law for Aboriginal communities, Environmental Defender's Office (NSW) Ltd, 2007, 36p.
http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/caring_for_country.pdf
This guide aims to assist Indigenous Australians to understand their legal rights and obligations under environmental and natural resource management law. It covers accessing and managing country, land development and protecting cultural heritage. Produced with assistance from a Law and Justice Foundation grant.
Changes to the protection of culture and heritage, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, 2009
http://www.alc.org.au/resources/c+h/index.htm
These factsheets outline current law relating to the protection of Aboriginal culture and heritage and explain changes proposed by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. The proposed changes would amend the National Parks and Wildlife Act and the requirements about who should be consulted with when someone applies for a permit to damage or destroy Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Housing
Homelessness, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Homelessness
This factsheet contains information about the different types of accommodation available to homeless people, and what the homeless should do if they are picked up by the police.
Legal services, courts and police
Do you need legal advice?, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2009, 1p.
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/
This poster promotes the Centre by listing the areas of law the centre is able to assist people with and contact details.
Aboriginal services, Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation, 2003, 44p.
This booklet lists key Aboriginal service providers. It is divided into 4 sections: Community based organisations; Aboriginal branches within mainstream services; Aboriginal workers within mainstream services; and Aboriginal workers within government departments.
Guide to legal services for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd, 2006, 185p.
http://www.nlaf.org.au/reports/Guide_to_Legal_Services.pdf
This guide consists of information about civil and criminal legal services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. The organisations included provide legal services at little or no cost to clients.
Aboriginal legal service pro bono guide: a guide to the delivery of pro bono legal services to the Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT/NSW) Limited, National Pro Bono Resource Centre (NPBRC), 2008, 60p.
http://www.nationalprobono.org.au/home.asp
This guide provides information to law firms and the Aboriginal Legal Service in NSW and the ACT to facilitate the delivery of pro bono assistance to the Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT/NSW) Ltd and its clients. It contains contact details for law firms and tips on asking law firms for pro bono assistance.
Lawyers, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Lawyers
This factsheet explains the different types of lawyers and their roles, how to deal with a lawyer, and how to find one. A list of contact numbers for free legal services is included
Going to court, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2005
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/goingtocourt
This factsheet provides information for those under 18 who are charged with a crime. Topics covered include which court they will have to go to, how to know when to go to court, things to remember when going to court, and how to get legal advice.
Me and the gunjies (police), Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2004,
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Gunjies/view?searchterm=me%20and%20the%20gunjies
This guide about the rights of Indigenous Australians when dealing with the police details what to do if asked for ID, under what conditions someone can be stopped, searched and detained, what to do if questioned by police and what to do if you are arrested.
Blewin' with sumwun?, NSW Community Justice Centres, 2004, 2p.
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/cjc.nsf/files/ATSI_CJCbroV3.pdf/$FILE/ATSI_CJCbroV3.pdf
A resource about mediation services for Indigenous Australians covering: what is mediation, what types of conflicts are covered, how Community Justice Centres (CJC) work, who are the mediators ( indigenous mediators are available) and contact details for CJC offices.
Know your legal rights game kit, Women's Legal Resources Centre, 2003
This information targets young Indigenous women and aims to explain women's legal rights and responsibilities in a format that is fun and does not require high levels of literacy. It is based on three games, a card game called Go Help, a game based on Twister called Trista's Twista and a body drawing game called Tidda.
Beyond Bars factsheets, Beyond Bars, 2005
http://www.beyondbars.org.au/facts.htm
Beyond Bars, a coalition of community and church organisations, academics and individuals aims to promote social justice solutions to a range of criminal justice system issues and to provide information about prisons in Australia. Topics covered in these fact sheets include: are prisons cost-effective?, alternatives to custody, Aboriginal people, mental health, people with an intellectual disability, mandatory sentencing, victims of crime, policing and youth crime.
Other
Caring for kids in Aboriginal families, Legal Aid NSW, 2009, 7p.
http://lacextra.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/Publications/FileUpload/Doc/ImprintFile538.pdf
This brochure provides information for extended family who are caring for young children and are concerned about child safety and welfare. Relevant areas of family law and care and protection law are explained including what to do if they are prevented from seeing the children.
Risky business: drugs, substance abuse and addictions, Streetwize Communications, 2004
This resource and educator's kit aims to combat the rise in the incidence of substance misuse among 12- to 16-year-old Indigenous youth. It addresses the issue of mixing illegal and legal substances and the serious effect substance misuse has on young Indigenous people and the wider community. It explores protective behaviours, such as good family relationships and support networks and harm minimisation, as key strategies for recovery. It portrays culturally relevant role-models and scenarios.
Me and security guards, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/SecurityGuards
This factsheet outlines the rights people have when dealing with security officers in public places. It also explains the difference in the powers possessed by police and security guards in the areas of trespass and arrest.
Victim's compensation, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, 2003
http://wirringabaiya.org.au/Information/Factsheets/Victims%20Compensation
This factsheet looks at who can make a claim for victims compensation and what types of claims are not covered. It provides information on how to make an application for compensation and how to receive counselling.
Aboriginal services, Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation, 2003, 44p.
This booklet lists key Aboriginal service providers. It is divided into 4 sections: Community based organisations; Aboriginal branches within mainstream services; Aboriginal workers within mainstream services; and Aboriginal workers within government departments.
Working with Aboriginal people and communities: a practical resource, NSW Department of Community Services Aboriginal Services Branch ,Sydney, 2009, 44 p.,
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/working_with_aboriginal.pdf
This practice resource is a guide for all Community Services and relevant non-government organisation (NGO) staff, particularly field staff. It has been developed to improve service delivery to Aboriginal people by providing staff with key facts, and information relevant to working with Aboriginal communities in NSW. It assists staff to become more culturally aware and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities.
Indigenous peoples (Hot topics 68), Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC), 2009, 36p.
http://www.liac.sl.nsw.gov.au/
This Hot topics issue covers legal issues relating to indigenous people, relevant international law, a comparison of indigenous people in the US and Australia, land rights and native title.
