- $250,000 act of grace payment for the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA
- ALSWA Aberdeen Street office devastated by fire
- Payment to enable the continuance of critical service delivery
The Cook Labor Government has approved a $250,000 payment for the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia Ltd (ALSWA) to support the continuation of services after fire destroyed its office on Aberdeen Street in Perth.
This fire destroyed the ground floor and left significant heat and smoke damage to the remainder of the building. The fire rendered the building unusable and inaccessible.
Laptops, printers, court robes, library materials, office furniture and general supplies are among the items that were destroyed.
Other agencies, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid WA and the Department of Justice, have stepped up to support of the ALSWA, offering the loan of meeting rooms, office spaces, library materials and court robes.
The ALSWA delivers essential services to First Nations Western Australians experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"The Aboriginal Legal Service WA acted quickly to modify its operations following the fire, securing temporary office space and sourcing necessary equipment.
"However, this comes with immediate expenses and, as a not-for-profit, any cash reserve the Service may have has been already committed to frontline services and program delivery.
"Whilst insured, it will take some time for the ALSWA's claim to be assessed and settled, so this payment will ensure critical services can continue in the interim."
As stated by ALSWA CEO Wayne Nannup:
"Our organisation has a history spanning over fifty years and our services are heavily relied upon across the State.
"Since the fire at our ALSWA head office in March, we've faced many challenges but have ensured that our service delivery continued for our clients and community members.
"We are pleased to have secured temporary alternative office space for our staff and are in the process of setting up client contact services, once again on Aberdeen Street, Perth.
"We're extremely grateful for this act of grace payment and would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience during these trying times."
