Two junior First Nations lawyers first parliamentary enquiry appearance!

On June 8th, First Nations solicitors Neane Carter and Adam Broughton attended the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs online public hearing.

In July 2022, The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (the Committee) was established with the purpose to inquire and report on matters related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. This Committee consists of a total of seven House of Representatives members and four Senators.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia, with specific emphasis on:

1. the international experience of implementing the UNDRIP

2. options to improve adherence to the principles of UNDRIP in Australia

3. how implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart can support the application of the UNDRIP

4. any other related matters.

At the hearing, Neane and Adam commented on the submissions that Terri Janke and Company submitted to the Committee in October 2022.

Adam says, "As two young First Nations lawyers, we are incredibly privileged and proud to have had the opportunity to represent TJC and be involved in discussions on implementing such a pivotal framework for Indigenous people’s rights to culture and heritage within Australia. We thank the Committee for the platform to discuss the importance of UNDRIP in the work that we do, and the need for change to support the recognition and protection of ICIP rights."

Neane Carter, a Djaara, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Wergaia, Wotjobaluk woman (left) and Adam Broughton, a Yuin man (right).