A community legal service in Perth has merged with a drug and alcohol counselling provider, creating an integrated model to expand the impact of legal assistance in the state.
Two Perth-based community care organisations have signed a partnership to bring alcohol and other drug treatment, legal assistance, housing support, financial counselling, mental health and disability support services under one roof.
The justice and health merger between Sussex Street Community Legal Service and Palmerston Association will mean that individuals who are struggling will have access to a range of support in one place.
Sussex Street Community Law Service offers legal assistance and community relief services, while Palmerston Association provides alcohol and other drug (AOD), mental health, health and wellbeing services across Western Australia.
Lawyer and Law Society of Western Australia former vice president Shayla Strapps has also been appointed as the inaugural chair of the new legal services entity.
Palmerston CEO Emma Jarvis said the merger was about building a support system that is more accessible, coordinated, and effective.
“Individuals seeking help for alcohol and other drug use often face a web of challenges, including legal problems, housing instability, mental health concerns, and financial hardship,” she said.
“Substance use is often just one piece of a much larger puzzle that can include engaging with the justice system. We know the risks of family and domestic violence also increase when alcohol and drugs are present. This merger allows us to provide more compassionate, comprehensive care that supports the whole person.”
Sussex Street Community Law Service chair Conrad Liveris said the merger was a strategic move that would extend the reach and impact of legal assistance in Western Australia. Sussex Street will continue to operate as an independent legal entity under the Palmerston umbrella.
“By embedding legal support within Western Australia’s leading AOD service, we’re meeting people where they are,” he said.
“This approach reduces barriers to justice, strengthens collaboration between disciplines, and positions Sussex Street as a leader in preventative, client-focused legal care.”
The merger agreement was signed last month, with both organisations working towards full integration by the end of 2025.
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
