Latest news
Youth justice reform hailed, government urged to do more
Law Society Northern Territory (Society) welcomes the passing of the amendments to the Youth Justice Act (Act) but calls on the government to do more.
The landmark amendments passed by the Parliament yesterday were based on key recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory (Royal Commission). This reform prohibits harm to children and prevents cruel and inhumane treatment in youth justice facilities. “The amendments now prohibit the use of solitary confinement as a form of punishment, limit the use of force, prohibit the use of restraints for behavioural management and limit the way searches can be conducted. These changes ensure the horrors of Don Dale are not repeated,” Society President Maria Savvas said.
Ms Savvas, said, “The Society congratulates the government for promptly implementing these as part of the first round of changes following the recommendations of the Royal Commission and leading the way on treating children and young people in a humane way. However we are of the view that there is more that can, and should be done at this early stage. The recently released implementation plan allows three years for a wholescale review of the Act. That is too long to wait for some of the other areas that require immediate reform.”
Let’s Celebrate Law Week – Achieving justice
Law Society Northern Territory (Society) is delighted that the Northern Territory Courts and other organisations are participating in Law Week 2018.
There are a number of community focussed events being held to mark Law Week which is celebrated nationally from Sunday 13 May to Sunday 21 May. Law Week is an opportunity to engage with members of the public to share information about our legal system and work toward a broader understanding of how the law works.
Along with the Society’s Law Week Luncheon in Darwin and Law Week Dinner in Alice Springs, events this year include:
Monday 14 May
· NT Young Lawyers Great Debate – Junior v Senior Lawyers.
Great Debate events will be held in Darwin and Alice Springs. Legal young guns challenge experienced members to a humorous yet hard-fought battle of linguistic wits on a nonsensical topic.
Contact Sarah Dowd, NTYL President This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 08 8946 2901
Ron Shorter Award 2018
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
The Ron Shorter Award is AILA’s flagship public speaking competition for young professionals in the insurance industry, providing invaluable public speaking training as well as exposure to industry peers and luminaries. Over 200 young insurance professionals have benefited from the competition since it began in 2012.
In 2018, the competition is open to all young professionals in the insurance and insurance law industry, in every state and territory.
Review of the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules
The Law Council of Australia (LCA) has now released the consultation paper for a review of the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules (ASCR). A copy of the Review of the ASCR Consultation Discussion Paper can be found on the LCA website here.
Whilst the Northern Territory has not yet adopted the ASCR it is important for Territory practitioners to consider the proposed changes as they may affect this jurisdiction if the ASCR are adopted in the future. At present the ASCR have been adopted in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. Tasmania is in the process of adopting them.
Safe and Vibrant Communities: EOI Called for NT Liquor Commission
The Territory Labor Government is delivering safe and vibrant communities with Expressions of Interest released for members of the Territory’s planned Liquor Commission.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Natasha Fyles said this was a key recommendation from the Alcohol Policy and Legislation Review (Riley Review) delivered by former Chief Justice Trevor Riley.
“The former CLP scrapped the Liquor Commission in 2014, locking community groups out of a key step in liquor licensing approvals,” she said.
Dedicated refugee lawyer announced NT Young Australian of the Year
Law Society Northern Territory (Society) congratulates Kevin Kadirgamar on being awarded NT Young Australian of the Year on Wednesday evening.
Society President Maria Savvas said, “Mr Kardirgamar’s dedication to advancing the interests of the some of the most vulnerable people in our community is to be commended and this accolade is a welcome acknowledgement of his important contribution.”