Droppert, Graham --- "President s page: Continuing to fight for justice" [2020] PrecedentAULA 39; (2020) 159 Precedent 3

• The ALA helped bring about the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and has driven legal changes in every jurisdiction with its uncompromising advocacy. The deprivations experienced daily by people with disability are now being exposed in another Royal Commission. We must be involved to ensure that action is taken.
• I have two closing acknowledgments to make.
• Firstly, to Andrew Christopoulos, who followed a long line of outstanding national presidents with a year of highly effective leadership. AC’s gentle, persuasive and embracing tone has made for a stronger and more resilient ALA – he was absolutely the right person for the job during the past turbulent year. I will seek his counsel with confidence in the next 12 months.
• Finally, to all of you. Your passion for justice and the rights of the individual means that together we can make 2020–21 a year of achievement.

---

CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

By Graham Droppert

As the first ALA National President based in Perth, I write this page on the lands of the Wadjuk people of the Noongar nation. I live and work within a short walk of the mighty Derbarl Yerrigan, created by the Wagyl (the Noongar manifestation of the rainbow serpent).

I pay my respects to the Elders past, present and emerging of all of the First Nations peoples of Australia.

For most of us, Australia is an incredibly rewarding place in which to live and work. But for many, Australia is not a country of good fortune, good health or respect. ALA members can and do make a real difference to the lives of their clients and the broader community by giving a voice to the voiceless.

In the last 12 months, the ALA has made over 100 written submissions or personal appearances to government decision-makers and inquiries. We have campaigned fearlessly in the ACT and Queensland against the erosion of common law entitlements. We speak up on criminal law and human rights matters.

And yet, recent events show that there is still much to do.

When the law protects powerful mining companies but fails to give a voice to First Nations peoples over their lands, there is more to do. When Indigenous Australians continue to experience racist interactions with police and prisons, there is definitely more to do.

Lawyers, politicians and governments are good at conducting big picture investigations that often shine a light on injustice and harm. Nonetheless, it took almost thirty years for one key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody – abolition of automatic imprisonment for fine defaulting – to be legislated in WA.

The ALA has adopted and actively implements its Reconciliation Action Plan but we can do more to welcome and build relationships with Indigenous Australians.

The ALA helped bring about the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and has driven legal changes in every jurisdiction with its uncompromising advocacy. The deprivations experienced daily by people with disability are now being exposed in another Royal Commission. We must be involved to ensure that action is taken.

For women in the law, workplaces are not always the safe places they should be. The ALA must fight for change.

For 25 years, the ALA has publicly opposed the worst excesses of so-called tort law ‘reform’. We should continue to identify the injustices that result from heavy-handed legislative restrictions on common law rights and campaign to overcome them.

The COVID-19 period has put a spotlight on the ALA’s amazing educational programs. The recent high-quality webinars have revealed the depth of resources available from within our membership, sponsors and partners. None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the branch presidents, committees and the National Board. Some members have recently ended periods of leadership that stretch back more than ten years – I cannot thank you enough for your service.

The ALA’s staff is small but their work is exceptional. If you have ever read Precedent, attended a seamless Conference, been proud of an ALA submission to government or agreed with a spokesperson, you know that you are getting value for your membership dollar.

I am looking forward to meeting you all at the 2020 National Conference in the Barossa Valley – COVID allowing – and at the many other events planned for the next year. Spending time and sharing thoughts with those who campaign to make Australia a fairer place lifts our spirits and strengthens our resolve.

I have two closing acknowledgments to make.

Firstly, to Andrew Christopoulos, who followed a long line of outstanding national presidents with a year of highly effective leadership. AC’s gentle, persuasive and embracing tone has made for a stronger and more resilient ALA – he was absolutely the right person for the job during the past turbulent year. I will seek his counsel with confidence in the next 12 months.

Finally, to all of you. Your passion for justice and the rights of the individual means that together we can make 2020–21 a year of achievement.

Graham Droppert is a barrister practising from Albert Wolff Chambers, Perth, specialising in personal injury and medical negligence. PHONE [phone] EMAIL [e-mail].