10 December 2000
Human Rights Medal and Awards 2000
Law Category won by the Indigenous Women's Program
The Indigenous Women's Program, an autonomous program forming part of the NSW Women's Legal Resources Centre, has won the Law category of the Human Rights Awards. Last year, the program helped more than 1000 Indigenous women and girls in New South Wales by giving legal advice on family law, family violence, child protection and criminal law.
The program has an Indigenous Women's Contact Phone Line, Outreach programs (at Millar in Liverpool, and Mulawa and Emu Plains Correctional Centres) and has community legal education. The program has also contributed to a training video on Aboriginal family violence and a comic for young people on family violence.
The Law Award, sponsored by the Law Council of Australia, is made to an individual or organisation with a proven track record in promoting and advancing human rights in Australia through the practice of law. Through the practice of law the Indigenous Women's Program has contributed directly and consistently to promoting, protecting and advancing the human rights of Aboriginal women and children in particular - people who would otherwise be disadvantaged in getting access to justice.
Paul Richards, highly commended by the judges, was a pioneer in providing legal services to Aborigines at a time when it was almost unheard of in Australia and, in Queensland, was unpopular and even dangerous. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS). His legacy includes a long list of Aboriginal legal practitioners who have qualified with his assistance.
Also highly commended was the Many Rivers Aboriginal Legal Service, which operates from five country centres in northern coastal NSW to provide criminal defence advice and representation to indigenous Australians in all courts.
Media contacts: Janine MacDonald on (02) 9284 9880 or 0412 783 631 Margie Cook on (02) 9284 9677 or 0418 637 230
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and Equal Opportunity Commission. Last updated 2 December 2001.
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