CONGRATULATIONS to C’Zarke Maza Winner of the 2015 Trevor Christian Award
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CONGRATULATIONS to C’Zarke Maza Winner of the 2015 Trevor Christian Award

C'Zarke MazaA Big CONGRATULATIONS to C’Zarke Maza winner of the 2015 Trevor Christian Award (male).

C’Zarke is the Regional Manager of our Thursday Island office and a fitting recipient of the NATSILS “Trevor Christian Award” presented to individuals who have made an exceptional commitment to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

C’Zarke is a descendant of the Meriam people of Murray Island in the Torres Strait and Yidinjdji people from the coast of Cairns. He has committed most of his career towards championing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and has displayed a relentless drive in advocating for justice and equality for Australia’s First people. A most committed legal practitioner, C’Zarke works tirelessly to address the over-representation of First Nations Australians in the criminal justices system through the provision of high quality legal representation.

In 2000 he was awarded the Bundjalung Prize for his invaluable contribution to the Bundjalung Nation.

Congratulation C’Zarke you are a highly respected and valued member of the community and we are fortunate to have you as part of the ATSILS team!

BRISBANE: Sharing our Experience of Service Delivery
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BRISBANE: Sharing our Experience of Service Delivery

Yesterday members of our Executive management team in Brisbane hosted a delegation from the Legal Aid Foundation Taiwan – including their Secretary-General.

The delegation was on a fact-finding mission to get insight on how we deliver our specialised legal services. Of particular interest were things such as the cultural competency of our staff, our quality controls and Murri Court  – (given the Indigenous population in Taiwan).

 

With the help of an interpreter the meeting proved to be great cross cultural exchange. The delegation was clearly grateful for our time and feedback, which included the provision of casework standards.

 

As a mark of appreciation the ATSILS team was presented with a special gift, a “Limpidwing Flying Fish” (“sosowowon”) crafted by a father and son team of Indigenous Taiwanese artists.

 

The amazing piece of artwork heralds from the Tao Indigenous peoples on Orchid Island (Pongso no Tao) – the only marine ethnic group of Taiwan. The flying fish is an important symbol of the Tao indigenous peoples. “The first catch in the open season will only be shared by family members of the fishermen.  All of the family members shall eat the first catch”.

 

Their delegation consisted of:

1. Attorney Mr. Wei-Shyang Chen, Secretary-General, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

2. Mr. Chih-Wei, Tsai, Board Member, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

3. Attorney Ms. Tsai-Yi Chen, Executive Secretary, Taitung Branch, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

4. Mr. Te-Yen Chou, Deputy- Director, Department of Legal Affairs, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

5. Ms. Si-Wei Huang, Deputy- Director, Department of Business & Management, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

6.Ms. Yu-Shan Chang, PHD Candidate, University College, London (translator)

ATSILS Supports A Human Rights Act for Queensland
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ATSILS Supports A Human Rights Act for Queensland

ATSILS CEO ImageThe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd supports the campaign calling for the introduction of a Human Rights Act for Queensland. Without an Upper House in Queensland a Bill of Rights could act as a vital safety net to prevent human rights breaches and  to ensure the government considers, justifies and reports on the human rights implications of their actions.

ATSILS CEO Shane Duffy spoke to The Guardian Australian about the importance of a Bill of Rights for Queensland and the significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“What it does is provide an opportunity to put a litmus test over any proposed bill that comes before parliament that disproportionately or adversely impacts on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people,” he told Guardian Australia.

Mr Duffy pointed to changes by the former Newman government to juvenile justice legislation, removal of detention as a punishment of last resort, and bail laws, as examples of such laws. He said a human rights act would need to be one with “a little bit of bite”.

Now that the Labor Party has confirmed its commitment to the introduction of a Human Rights Act the time is right to work together to convince the Queensland Government to Act Now!

View full article:

 

Support the campaign for a Human Rights Act for Queensland
https://www.facebook.com/humanrights4qld

Instragram @humanrights4qld

‪#‎humanrights4qld‬

Strengthening Family Law Partnerships in North Queensland
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Strengthening Family Law Partnerships in North Queensland

Congratulations to Juergen Kaehne who was recently elected as Co-Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Law Pathways Network in North Queensland.

Juergen is one of ATSILS specialist Family Law Solicitors based in Cairns and he has been a valued member of our legal team for over 6 years.

As Co-Chair of the network Juergen will be working with key providers in the Family Law system, including the Federal Circuit Court, to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services and other community agencies servicing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people.

Commenting on his appointment Juergen said “The Federal Circuit Court judge in Cairns is a strong supporter of enhanced representation for Indigenous people, and I am privileged to Co-Chair the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Law Pathways Network.”

“I love practicing family law because the legal process is such that it helps to provide a better future for children; who are, after all, innocent parties in parental disputes.”

Juergen’s appointment is testament to his strong commitment to the delivery of innovative, highly professional legal services to ensure better outcomes for clients.

The Network is being piloted in the North Queensland region including Cape York and the Torres Strait before being rolled out across the state on a progressive basis.

 

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More information on ATSILS Family Law Practice

Need legal assistance with Family Law matters? Contact us