Winners of the Law and Justice Foundation's 2011 Justice Awards were announced at a formal dinner on Monday 24 October at Parliament House. Around 360 guests and nominees from across New South Wales gathered to honour the 34 individuals and 25 organisations who were nominated for their commitment to improving access to justice, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people.
The Justice Medal, the premiere award of the evening, was presented by Sir Anthony Mason AC, KBE to John McKenzie for his unwavering commitment over the past 30 years to improving access to justice for Aboriginal people, and to ensuring the underlying causes of Aboriginal over-representation in the criminal justice system are strategically pursued. Mr McKenzie was Principal Solicitor (NSW, Tasmania, Victoria) to the 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and is currently Chief Legal Officer at the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT.
The Aboriginal Justice Award, sponsored by the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice was presented by the Attorney General, The Hon. Greg Smith SC to Jan Fennell. Jan is the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer at Menindee Police Station and was recognised for her project initiatives which have brought together the local community and police to tackle issues such as truancy, anti-social behaviour, alcohol and crime.
Sponsored by the National Pro Bono Resource Centre, the Pro Bono Partnership Award went to the partnership between Women's Legal Services NSW, Blake Dawson, Clayton Utz, Freehills, NSW Bar Association and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This unique partnership has brought about positive change for victims of sexual assault. Their collaboration resulted in the establishment of a permanent, statewide service dedicated to advising and representing victims to assert the Sexual Assault Communications Privilege, thereby preventing the disclosure of victims' personal counselling records in court.
For the first time, there were joint winners of the Law and Justice Volunteer Award, which is sponsored by the NSW Bar Association. Both winners were noted for their strength and courage in overcoming significant personal challenges, and their dedication to moving beyond those challenges to help others. Kat Armstrong was recognised for her commitment to helping women in the criminal justice to re-establish themselves in the community, and her work as one of the founders of Women in Prison Advocacy Network. Janice Daisley was recognised for her 30 year commitment to People with Disability, where her high level advocacy and leadership skills has earned her the respect of ministers, senior public servants and the broader community.
There were also three other awards presented on the evening. The Law Society President's Award was awarded to Jim Marsden for his contribution to the Society's Pro Bono Scheme. The Community Legal Centres NSW Award was awarded to Michael Steinfeld for his 27 year commitment as a volunteer at Kingsford Legal Centre. The Legal Information Access Centre Award was jointly awarded to Coffs Harbour City Library for their innovative Law Week program and Lismore City Library for their ongoing program of Free Law Talks.
The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW congratulates all the nominees for their extraordinary commitment and outstanding achievements. For information on this year’s nominees download a copy of the Justice Awards program at www.lawfoundation.net.au/justice_awards or click here.
Media enquiries: Maria Leonardis (02) 8227 3203 or 0401 216 727 mleonardis@lawfoundation.net.au
