Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support

Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need to resolve a legal problem at SAT. 

The Tribunal’s Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officer (SAAO) is placed within the Guardianship and Administration division of the Tribunal. Currently there is no SAAO within the Civil and Commercial, Vocational Regulation and Developmental Resources (CCVRDR) division of the Tribunal. We apologise for any frustration this may cause and urge parties seeking assistance within the CCVRDR division to consider contacting the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) who are a not-for-profit organisation that provides legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in WA.

What is SAT?

To learn more about what SAT can assist you with, click here: Get Started (justice.wa.gov.au)

How is SAT different to court?

• SAT is much more informal than court. You do not need a lawyer and are encouraged to speak for yourself.
• You and other parties will be asked to tell your side of the story. SAT will then decide what is fair based on what you and the other party tell the Tribunal Member.
• SAT will make orders which everyone has to follow and respect.

We offer the following services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

• Booking an interpreter: Interpreters at SAT (justice.wa.gov.au)
• Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officer (please see below);
• Providing general information about SAT processes in Aboriginal language groups: 
  • Kriol Information Videos (justice.wa.gov.au).
  • Martu Information Videos (justice.wa.gov.au).
  • Noongar Information Videos (justice.wa.gov.au).
  • Nyangumarta Information Videos (justice.wa.gov.au).
  • Walmajarri Information Videos (justice.wa.gov.au).
• If you would like to know about other ways in which the Tribunal can assist you, please call us on 9219 3111.

Where to get Legal Help:

• The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in WA. For more information about services, visit ALSWA's website or call 1800 019 900.
• For other assistance, please click here: Legal Help and Advice Services (justice.wa.gov.au)

Meet our Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officer

Anthea Mitchell

Anthea Mitchell

A proud Badimaya and Wunmulla/Martu woman from Wajarri Yamatji barna (country) in the Midwest, approximately 750kms north of Perth.

Anthea had a great childhood growing up in her large family in Meekatharra, She completed high school then went to Boorloo (Perth) to complete years 11 and 12.

She joined Department of Justice 16 years ago and was part of the team who initiated the Aboriginal Justice Program and the Aboriginal Open Days where people can get their drivers licences, birth certificates, Fines, Centrelink and access to community services in one place.

Completing an associate degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development through Curtin University helped Anthea better understand the impacts of colonisation, racial bias, intergenerational trauma resulting from the Stolen Generations and self-determination – while enabling her to also learn about some of the Aboriginal trailblazers who have helped advance Aboriginal people through the decades.

Anthea is a mother of two adult children and ensures she teaches and tells them everything she has learned about her mob, language, and culture.

With a wide range of experience in community engagement, she is very devoted to being a voice for Aboriginal people who are going through the State Administrative Tribunal process.

If you would like the assistance of the Tribunal's Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officer for your matter, please contact us on 9219 3111.