Indigenous Issues and Aboriginal Reconciliation
The LIV aims to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build new and lasting relationships based on trust, respect and responsibility and grounded on a proper understanding of the richness, vibrancy and diversity of Indigenous culture, laws, traditions and customs and understanding the continuing impact of past and prevailing Australian policies and laws on Indigenous Australians.
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a national apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and members of the Stolen Generations on the first sitting day of the new Parliament. The apology was symbolically significant, as it involved both recognition of past wrongs and commitment to focus national efforts on bridging the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and the broader Australian community. It is also regarded as a fundamental first step in the reconciliation process.
However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to be the most disadvantaged groups in Australian society. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are overrepresented in the criminal justice and system and are also under-represented in the Australian legal profession. There continue to be substantial barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to study and practies law. This means that not only are the legal needs and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians not adequately represented but the Australian community are denied their perspective and input to problem solving.
The LIV recognises that, as the peak body for Victoria’s legal profession, it has the opportunity to make real change in this area. The LIV has committed to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that turns our good intentions towards reconciliation into action by identifying actions, timelines and measurable targets for relationships, respect and opportunities. We have committed to working with Victorian Indigenous People and to develop an action plan aimed at building meaningful relationships with Victorian Indigenous communities and “closing the gap” in Indigenous representation in the legal profession.
View the LIV's Statement of Commitment (pdf)
What is a RAP?
A RAP is a tool that will help the LIV focus on actions within its sphere of influence to help close the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians. A RAP will help build better relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians through building and demonstrating respect and forging meaningful relationships. By creating a RAP, the LIV will examine its business and identify ways in which it can contribute to reconciliation through specific actions. Through a RAP, the LIV can align its core business with the goals of reconciliation in ways that are mutually beneficial.
Once actions have been identified, the LIV will commit to undertake them and report publicly to Reconciliation Australia once a year on its progress. RAPs are trademarked to Reconciliation Australia, who provide guidance and support (free of charge) to organisations preparing their RAP. Several Victorian law firms, including AAR, Clayton Utz, Arnold Bloch Liebler and the Australian Government Solicitor, currently have RAPs in place.
View More Information on Reconciliation Action Plans.
View More Information on Reconciliation Australia.
LIV’s RAP Project Steps
At present, the LIV has formally committed to develop a RAP. It also held a consultation meeting with members of Victoria’s Indigenous community to discuss possible actions to which the LIV can commit. The LIV intends to hold subsequent consultation meetings in regional Victoria in 2011.
View LIJ Article,‘Becoming a Part of the Solution’.