ALSWA ON RETIREMENT OF WA CHIEF JUSTICE
Following today’s announcement that Western Australia’s Chief Justice The Hon Wayne Martin AC, will retire later this year, the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) reflects on the strong rapport that has been built between ALSWA and the Chief Justice since he took on the role 12 years ago.
The relationship has been built on mutual respect and ALSWA acknowledges the important contributions that have been made by Wayne Martin, particularly in speaking out about the disproportionate incarceration rates and complex issues facing Aboriginal peoples.
“The Chief Justice understands the importance of addressing the causes of crime, as well as the need to listen more and talk less with Aboriginal communities. He has acknowledged that as long as white people continue to be paternalistic, things won’t work” said ALSWA CEO Dennis Eggington.
“It has been refreshing to have a dialogue with Wayne Martin for over a decade. He reminds society that the majority of Aboriginal people are law abiding citizens who are also over-represented as victims, whilst acknowledging that much of today’s dysfunction comes as a result of the historical treatment of our First Nations Peoples” said Mr. Eggington.
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA wishes the Chief Justice the very best when he steps down from the Supreme Court of Western Australia in July this year.
Former ALSWA Law Matters interviews with the Chief Justice can be accessed on the ALSWA website
Jodi Hoffmann
Media Officer
Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Limited
Direct Line: 08 9265 6699
