The NSW Regional Women Lawyers [“NRWL”] conference held in Orange recently celebrated the remarkable work of regional, rural and remote [“RRR”] women lawyers. Our team at Catherine Henry Lawyers attended to discuss the opportunities and challenges confronting women lawyers in RRR communities.
A group of energetic regional women lawyers established NRWL to ensure that those practising in RRR NSW have the same benefits and opportunities as their city counterparts. The conference brought together esteemed lawyers, law students and a range of experts.
Dr Shireen Morris Constitutional Lawyer, and Director of Radical Reform Lab at Macquarie University Law School, delivered a timely and thought-provoking presentation addressing the upcoming Voice referendum.
Dr Morris was involved in the drafting process of the Voice. Her presentation included a rare glimpse into the initial drafts of the constitutional amendment.
Dr Morris said that the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, provides non-binding advice on legal and policy matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Dr Morris explained that the constitutional amendment confers no power on the Voice to prevent, delay or veto decisions of the Parliament or the Executive Government and is therefore, not a huge ask from First Nations Australians.
Dr Morris described how the Voice arose from the Uluru Statement of the Heart, with most delegates voting in favour of the proposed amendment: The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for, “… the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.”
Addressing the issue of dissent amongst First Nations people not in favour of the Voice, Dr Morris explained that it would be unusual to have 100% consensus in any minority group. However, the consensus amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who proposed the amendment, was extremely high, at over 90% of delegates for the proposal. And community consensus for the amendment remains high.
Dr Morris put forward a compelling argument in favor of the Voice and discussed how we can all contribute to the conversation. She says:
“It is essential that all Australians, in regions across the country, take responsibility for the success or failure of this referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians through a Voice in their own affairs. We all need to do the work to educate, raise awareness and debunk myths. Talk to your friends, family and colleagues, your neighbours too. As lawyers, we have a special responsibility to participate in this conversation and help ensure Australians are informed.”
NRWL is grateful to Dr Morris and all the presenters for generously sharing their expertise and time at the inaugural conference in Orange.
The success of the Regional Women Lawyers conference is an exciting indication of support for the aims and goals of NRWL and a glimpse of what’s to come – more events in beautiful RRR destinations across NSW – supporting women lawyers and RRR communities within the state.
The next event is in PORT MACQUARIE – Friday 8 September 2023. Visit NRWL for details.
