Alissa Paulson

As National Indigenous Family Liaison Officer (IFLO) with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Alissa Paulson is reshaping how First Nations families experience the justice system. From supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families navigating the family law system to driving national policy reform, her journey began with a simple question: ‘If not you, then who?’

“Working in government spaces can be controversial from an Indigenous lens; I often have to have frank conversations about the positive but realistic work I am doing,” Alissa says. “In my role, I can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through a scary family court process. In a foreign Western system, I can help mob feel somewhat safe.”

Since joining the courts in 2023, Alissa has quickly emerged as a strong leader embedding cultural safety, amplifying First Nations voices, and paving the way for systemic change. She walks alongside families through hearings, trials, and often daunting processes. She has driven reform through developing the courts’ Reconciliation Action Plan, contributing to the Chief Justice’s inaugural First Nations Forum, and presenting on trauma-informed practices in family law for the NSW Law Society.

Alissa is currently building on her Criminal Justice degree by completing a Bachelor of Laws at Charles Sturt. Her determination to change the system is fuelled by her own family’s experience: her uncle and brothers all became institutionalised, and she witnessed the lack of support systems for Aboriginal mothers and women as she supported her mum through the family court system.

“By studying criminal justice and law, I hope to continue to be able to help First Nations People in similar circumstances as my uncle, brothers and mum.”

Beyond the courts, she has supported child, youth, family and drug and alcohol programs in the NSW health sector, and assisted students through the Ngarralbaa Indigenous Centre at Charles Sturt’s Port Macquarie campus. Alissa refuses to let the “soft bigotry of low expectations” define her.

“As a young Aboriginal girl from Taree, I often felt that not much was expected of me or that I was not capable of much,” she says.

“The only expectations I have are the ones I’ve placed upon myself, so I aim high and never let myself down – which is why I am where I am today. I feel most empowered and rewarded by giving back to my community and being able to support mob.”