18 December 2003
Indigenous legal advocacy courses off to great start
By January 2004, close to 100 Indigenous people are expected to have enrolled as students in the National Indigenous Legal Advocacy Courses (NILAC), which are designed to provide Indigenous people with the skills and knowledge to work in a legal environment.
Accredited in June 2003, the courses have been developed by the Indigenous Studies Product Development Unit of TAFE Queensland on behalf of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) to meet revised national accreditation standards. They replace the National Indigenous Legal Studies Curriculum, which had been developed by the Commission from 1995-1997.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Dr Bill Jonas said the courses don’t equip graduates to give legal advice, but aim to improve the skills and knowledge of Indigenous people working in legal environments or participating in community justice mechanisms and advisory positions.
“These courses provide the opportunity to study the operation of the law from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, aspirations and social context,” said Dr Jonas.
The courses range in level of complexity and cater to the varied needs of Indigenous legal service staff. Three courses are offered: at Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma level. The courses are taught through TAFE colleges and independent Aboriginal educators who are licensed by HREOC.
Cleonie Quayle from Tranby College, who have a national selection process for entry into the courses, said the interest from students has been fantastic.
“It is great to see so many Indigenous people interested in doing the courses, especially from WA and Queensland,” she said. “We have people starting the courses next year who work in industrial relations, juvenile justice, Aboriginal legal services, local courts, native title units, and Aboriginal organisations wanting to assist their communities know their legal rights.”
The Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE (TNQT) began delivering the program in the Torres Strait in September, with the first intake of 15 family violence workers from across the region.
Gina Keating at TNQT said this is an excellent opportunity for elders and other Indigenous community members to learn about the Australian criminal and civil justice systems and to apply this understanding to particular legal issues.
“This knowledge has particular importance in remote communities where the ability to identify legal need and what course of action to take can mean a distinct increase in access to justice,” she said.
Commissioner Jonas said the Institute for Aboriginal Development in Alice Springs are also licensed to deliver the courses, and there is also a high level of interest from other trainers and legal services.
“HREOC will be looking to further expand the pool of trainers for the courses across the country over the coming year,” Dr Jonas said.
- For further information visit: www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/nilac/index.html
Media contact:
Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9618 or 0408 469 347
