A great way to start National Reconciliation Week 2016 with the launch of Richlands Murri Court last Friday. The spirit of reconciliation shone bright with local community and dignitaries from across the legal fraternity, police and government uniting in their commitment to fairness & justice for all.
Local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander dancers entertained the large gathering with an amazing performance displaying their strong and continuing culture.
It was great to hear Leeanne Enoch MP and Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo give passionate speeches about the significance of Murri Court and reaffirm their commitment to specialist courts, diversionary programs and community led initiatives. A key message was the recognition that a one size fits all approach to justice does not always work, and that the justice system must be flexible enough to respond to the specific needs of the most vulnerable in the community.
Another fantastic event bringing community together by Justice QLD. Congratulations to the local community and local justice group who fought so hard for the reinstatement of this important program.
View photos and video of the event below:
Leeanne Enoch MP – Restores a right and reinstates Murri Court on behalf of the Queensland Government
Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo – Officially opens Richlands Murri Court
Chief Magistrate McLaughlin – Welcomes reinstatement of the Murri Court
Image Gallery: Richlands Murri Court Launch
MABO DAY
Eddie Koiki Mabo
Eddie Koiki Mabo was a courageous man who took on the crown & over-turned more than two centuries of legal fiction, the concept of ‘terra nullius’. To end National Reconciliation Week we honour his legacy of truth & justice and advancement of human rights. He brought us a long way, but there is still a long way to go.
We are here & always have been.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-03/eddie-mabo-hailed-hero-by-indigenous-community-leaders/7473788
Richlands Murri Court Launch
A great way to start National Reconciliation Week 2016 with the launch of Richlands Murri Court last Friday. The spirit of reconciliation shone bright with local community and dignitaries from across the legal fraternity, police and government uniting in their commitment to fairness & justice for all.
Local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander dancers entertained the large gathering with an amazing performance displaying their strong and continuing culture.
It was great to hear Leeanne Enoch MP and Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo give passionate speeches about the significance of Murri Court and reaffirm their commitment to specialist courts, diversionary programs and community led initiatives. A key message was the recognition that a one size fits all approach to justice does not always work, and that the justice system must be flexible enough to respond to the specific needs of the most vulnerable in the community.
Another fantastic event bringing community together by Justice QLD. Congratulations to the local community and local justice group who fought so hard for the reinstatement of this important program.
View photos and video of the event below:
Leeanne Enoch MP – Restores a right and reinstates Murri Court on behalf of the Queensland Government
Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo – Officially opens Richlands Murri Court
Chief Magistrate McLaughlin – Welcomes reinstatement of the Murri Court
Image Gallery: Richlands Murri Court Launch
National Reconciliation Week 2016
This Reconciliation week we encourage all to get a deeper understanding of the truth of our Nation’s history and walk together committing to a future of fairness and justice for all.
In this spirit we recommend you take a look and show your support for these important campaigns:
Change the Record
www.changetherecord.org.au/
Legal Aid Matters –
www.legalaidmatters.org.au
Amnesty International Australia –http://www.amnesty.org.au/activist/campaign/35616
JustJustice
https://croakey.org/…/croakey-news-and-projects/justjustice/
A Human Rights Act for Queensland
http://www.humanrights4qld.com.au/
National Sorry Day 2016
At ATSILS we honour the resilience and determination of the Stolen Generations this Sorry Day and every day. In the work we do, we see the ongoing impacts of such policies and are particularly mindful of the challenges faced by many of our people dealing with the effects of inter-generational trauma and scarring.
We stand with the Stolen Generations and are committed to advancing and protecting their legal and human rights. We will continue to push hard for reform in laws, policies and practices that discriminate and adversely impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Learn More:
Recommendations: Bringing them home: The ‘Stolen Children’ report (1997) –
Learn more about the Stolen Generations and the Healing journey atHealing Foundation
Read Aunty Flo Watson’s story – Getting to the Heart of Sorry Day
#SorryDay
Recognise Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation Queensland Inc
Legal Aid Matters – Access to Justice is a Human Right!
New national campaign launched at start of Law Week aimed at ensuring the next Federal Government responds decisively to the funding crisis.
The campaign will see lawyers and concerned organisations rally and attend events in major cities around Australia.
At least 45,000 Australians have been forced to represent themselves in court, often up against powerful and well-funded legal teams, due to the crisis in legal aid that has seen hundreds of millions of dollars ripped from these vital services.
Read Media Release:
http://www.legalaidmatters.org.au/…/1629—-45000-people-fa…
Sign the petition – Let our politicians know that legal aid matters to you!
http://www.legalaidmatters.org.au/get-involved
Murri Court re-launched in Brisbane
Many of the ATSILS team were present at the re-launch of the Murri Court in Brisbane this afternoon. It was great atmosphere and held in the spirit of celebration and mutual respect. The ATSILS team mixed with many familiar faces and it was great to share the experience with elders and other dignitaries from government, community and across the legal fraternity.
Murri Court is an important aspect in creating a more culturally responsive justice system and provides magistrates with the opportunity to use diversionary programs to enhance the rehabilitation of offenders. Justice alternatives such as Murri Court that engage local community are critical in addressing the over-representation of our people in the criminal justice system and we welcome its formal re-introduction across the state.
ATSILS Walking for Justice: QPILCH Legal Walk 2016 – Brisbane
This morning staff from our Brisbane office were out in force taking part in the Queensland Legal Walk to fundraise for Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House and celebrate the legal profession’s commitment to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to the legal system when they most need it.
The Walk commenced at 7am in Brisbane and followed a 5km route along both sides of the Brisbane River and make its way back to the Queen Elizabeth II Court Complex. Walkers were treated to a complimentary breakfast. Elvira lead all the way and could not be caught by her rivals. Andrew and Graham lead the way to the breakfast. Both level 5 and level 6 represented, thanks to those that participated. What a deadly choice.
Job Vacancies – we currently have 7 positions available
Work with ATSILS
We currently have 7 positions available across Queensland. We’re looking for suitably experienced legal practitioners to join our dynamic team leading in the delivery of innovative, professional and culturally competent legal services.
Legal Practitioners (Criminal Law) –
Rockhampton, Mt Isa & Townsville
Legal Practitioner – (Family Law) – Cairns
Legal Practitioner – (Regional Manager) – Mackay
Court Support Officers – Cairns and Murgon
Field Officer – (Remote) – Cunnumulla
View all job vacancies here:
https://atsils.org.au/job-vacancies/
ATSILS Bi-Annual Family/Civil Law Conference & Inagural Legal Advocacy Skills Development Workshop
Last week we gathered our 37 strong Family & Civil Law teams from across the state for a week of innovative skills development in Brisbane. The event was part of ATSILS ongoing commitment to workforce development and continuing access to quality mentoring and professional development opportunities.
The event was well received by staff and we were privileged to have such an interesting line up of highly qualified and interesting speakers. A key aspect of the program was the inaugural Legal Advocacy Skills Development workshop led by Craig Smith –(Faculty of Law at QUT). This workshop gave staff the opportunity to hone their advocacy skills under the expert guidance of a team of specialist Barristers. The focus was on a practical framework for developing robust case theory, building persuasive arguments, and presenting evidence in a way that can assist in improving outcomes for clients.
The collegiate spirit evident at the event created a fantastic environment for the team to share their local knowledge and experiences and ensure we continue to deliver quality legal services responsive to the needs of our diverse client group.
Thanks to all staff and presenters from the legal assistance sector and Government who helped make the event a success.
Media Release: Federal Budget fails to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Strait Islander communities.
CTR Co-Chair Shane Duffy said “We are extremely disappointed that the Turnbull Government’s Budget fails to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice issues, including the high rates of violence being experienced by Aboriginal women and children, and skyrocketing rates of incarceration of our peoples.”
“The Federal Budget provides a roadmap of Government priorities, and we are deeply concerned that in this Budget Aboriginal justice issues appear to have been forgotten by the Turnbull Government” said Mr Duffy.
View CTR Media Release:
http://res.cloudinary.com/www-changetherecord-org-au/image/upload/v1462326072/CTR_Budget_Media_Release_04.05.16_o6l2it.pdf