We’re thrilled to be nominated for a 2017 Justice Award in the Pro Bono Partnership category for our partnership with Allens on our Indigenous Justice Project (IJP).
This category recognises a partnership comprising a private law firm, community organisation and/or community legal centre in NSW, which has developed an outstanding pro bono legal assistance relationship, resulting in improved access to justice for disadvantaged people in the community.
For sixteen years, Allens has funded a full-time solicitor to lead the work of the IJP. This support has enabled PIAC to pursue numerous innovative projects to address systemic issues and the unmet legal needs of Indigenous communities.
It has facilitated our work on the Stolen Wages Referral Scheme, our Police Accountability Practice and the IJP’s recent role representing the First Peoples Disability Network in the Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory.
The partnership has involved much more than generous financial support. Key projects of the IJP have relied on invaluable pro bono legal assistance and expertise from Allens lawyers. This practical support has been crucial in expanding the capacity of IJP projects to reach a greater number of clients.
You can read more about the awards here. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House on 19 October.