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1 Aboriginal L. Bull. 1 (1981-1988)

handle is hein.journals/indibull1 and id is 1 raw text is: Aboriginal Law Bulletin Number 1 August 1981 Editorial: Just more words? It might seem that the Aboriginal Law Bulletin merely adds to the mound of literature devoted to Australia's Abori- gines. It is nearly five years since the Legal Service Bulletin devoted an issue to 'Aborigines and the Law' (December 1976). Aboriginal lawyer, Michael Dodson viewed the exercise with scepticism. He commented: The continued discussions, conferences and publications appear to offer scant results immediately or in the long term. We, the A boriginal people, are fully aware of the repressive and racist legal systems which subject us to great disadvantage and injustice. The great volumes of writings and works seem to be of little value to a people who live under exploita- tion, oppression and inequality not only before the law but in all other areas of social existence. We live that existence, we have small mileage in 'experts' exposing the 'problem' The point is well made. It is difficult to deny that Aborigines have long provid- ed scholars from many disciplines with a fruitful field of study. Lawyers are starting to discover this fact as more begin to write about the impact of a white legal system upon Blacks. The many interesting legal issues which have arisen often serve to divert attention from the injustices and social destruction which the white Australian legal system has caused among Aboriginal communit- ies. Is this just another journal devoted to an academic study of legal niceties? We hope not, but the future depends largely upon gaining the support of people working with Aboriginal Legal Services, Land Councils and research organisations. The primary aim of this Bulletin is to become a source of usetul practical intor mation for people working in the field of Aborigines and the law. It begins as a very modest publication with some preten- sions. At various times the concept of a series of Aboriginal Law Reports has been discussed. Too often, important decisions involving Aborigines are not included within the official reports and consequently they remain within the knowledge of a small band. Case notes will be a regular feature. They may expand into something larger. A few Aboriginal Legal Services and Land Councils spasmodically publish newsletters but there is no national jour- nal which enables people in one part of the country to learn of the legal develop- ments hundreds or thousands of kilo- metres away. There is a lot happening and if the people who work for Legal Services and Land Councils are to provide the most effective service to their com- munities, they must be aware of activities elsewhere in the country. If the commun- ities are to make full use of their Legal Services and Land Councils they too must be informed of achievements and developments in other regions. Thej Makaratta, the current work of the z U z I 0 Australian Law Reform Commission on customary law, the re-introduction to the Senate of the Aborigines and Island- ers (Admissibility of Confessions) Bill, the Human Rights Bill, the Pitiantjajara land rights legislation, proposals to amend the Northern Territory Land Rights Act. training schemes for Legal Service staff and the report of the NSW Legislative Assem- bly's Select Committee on Aborigines are a few of the matters which must be noticed and discussed at a national level. This Review hopes to facilitate that dis- cussion. The Aboriginal Law Research Unit is the body responsible for the Review. On 24 April 1981 uhe Unit was formally established at the University of NSW. Its aims include the conduct and fostering of research on issues concerning Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders and the law, the building of a specialised collection of resource materials, publication, the estab- lishment of clearing-house activities for Aboriginal Legal Services and Land Councils and the promotion of confer- ences, seminars and teaching. The Unit does not claim to be a representative body; its present financial position has delayed plans for a national meeting of representatives of organisations working in the broad field of Aborigines and the law. The Unit's steering committee meets regularly in Sydney and is comprised of lawyers, anthropologists and activists in the black community. The committee through its convenor, Professor Garth Nettheim, has been in constant commun- ication with Aboriginal organisations across Australia. We hope that this Review will facilitate further communica- tion and action. The NSW Law Foundation has donat- ed sufficient funds to enable four issues of this Bulletin to be produced and mailed to interested persons. This assist- ance is gratefully acknowledged. Our next edition will be included in the December issue of the Legal Service Bulletin. We thank the LSB editorial committee for its support. We encourage people working with Aboriginal organis- ations to contribute information for national circulation; if this is done the Bulletin may, in a small way, further the cause of Aboriginal people. Neil Rees

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