Launch of Reconciliation Action Plan

Members will recall that, last Thursday 29 May, the Association launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2014 to 2016 at a function in the Banco Court.

The function was attended by over 100 guests, including the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, other judges of the Supreme Court and other Courts, and members of the Association.  The guest speaker was Dr Diana Eades, an eminent expert in Aboriginal ways of communicating in English, particularly in the legal system.  She related 2 examples of how reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community can have practical and beneficial effects on both groups.

The National RAP Manager of Reconciliation Australia also spoke and demonstrated that RAPs do have real positive consequences in contributing to reducing the disadvantages encountered by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Association’s RAP, which is the product of its Indigenous Barristers Committee in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia, sets out the reconciliation goals of the Bar Association and the practical steps that it will take to promote reconciliation, particularly in the practice of law in Queensland.

A copy of the RAP is attached.  Members will also find it on the Association’s website.  I commend it to you and I urge you all to read it. The Indigenous Barristers Committee would welcome any suggestions or practical assistance members may provide in promoting and achieving the goals set out in the RAP. In this regard, please contact the Chief Executive, Ms Robyn Martin on chiefexec@qldbar.asn.au

Click here to download the PDF

Peter J Davis QC
President