New legal service for Thursday Island

Torres Strait community’s legal services provider E&H Law has officially opened the newly named ‘Law House’ on Thursday Island.

Funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), E&H Law has delivered critical core legal services to the remote region since 2021 and recently celebrated 12 months serving the Torres Strait, including Northern Peninsula Area  communities of Bamaga and Seisia, under a long-term legal services arrangement with the TSRA.

E&H Law Partner Peter Haarsma said the official opening of the Thursday Island office cemented the firm’s commitment to continue delivering high-quality legal services over the next three years.

“In addition to our office in Cairns, the new-look Law House on Douglas Street provides face-to-face access to legal support here on Thursday Island,” Mr Haarsma said.

“Our door is open Monday to Friday, alongside 24-hour on-call support for urgent legal assistance and advice.

“We make it a point and priority to provide caring and culturally appropriate support across criminal, civil and family law matters.

“Our service is all about helping people navigate the legal system with confidence ensuring they know their rights.”

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said TSRA’s funding commitment for legal services would provide stability and long-term legal support for residents in the Torres Strait region, including NPA communities of Bamaga and Seisia, to 2028.

“Congratulations to E&H Law on the official opening of the Law House, signalling a new era for legal services and expertise for the region,” Mr Nona said.

“TSRA’s four-year funding of legal services is ensuring yumi people can access quality, culturally appropriate legal advice and support from the mainland communities to the outer islands.

“Ensuring access to strong legal support and advice is just one step TSRA is taking locally towards Closing the Gap to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations people, including young people, in the justice system.”

Since being awarded the region’s legal services contract in April 2024, E&H Law has represented 2,763 matters, supporting 1,238 clients across the Torres Strait region, including Bamaga and Seisia.

• Contact E&H Law for legal services and support on (07) 4041 1677 (office hours 8.30am to 5pm).. 25 Douglas Street, Thursday Island with a blessing and office opening.