Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support

Acknowledgement of Country  

Kaya, the State Administrative Tribunal acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Western Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, their cultures and the elders, past, present and future.

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

Do you need help with your Guardianship or Administrator hearing at the State Administrative Tribunal?

As the Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officer, I can help you by listening to your story and have a yarn if you are worried or have any questions about anything leading up to, during or after your hearing.

I can assist in making you feel culturally safe attending the tribunal hearings by supporting you at the hearings and making sure SAT Members are aware, understand and respect cultural differences, practices and behaviours of all Aboriginal People attending.

We can have a yarn about what being a Guardian and Administrator also means and the roles of the Public Trustee and Office of the Public Advocate.

I can explain what to expect in the hearing, explain what types of orders may be made and what happens after an order is made.

This can also involve what parties will be attending, the different appearance types from attending in person, via telephone link or teams video link.

I may be able to guide you to get help from other services.

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)

Senior Aboriginal Advisory Officers

Crystal Ugle

A proud Noongar yorga, born and raised on Whadjuk Boodja with family connections to Balladong (Wheatbelt) and Ngalla Kallar Boodja (Southwest).

I was raised in a supportive environment, nurtured by my grandparents and extended family.

I completed high school with a clear sense of purpose to become a voice for my people.

Began my journey at the Aboriginal Legal Services WA as a Court Liaison Officer for 8 years. In this role, I became a vital bridge between the legal system and community.

In 2025, I joined the Department of Justice with a wealth of lived experience and strong foundation in cultural values, which I integrate into my work to better serve and support my community.

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