Socially excluded Australians too often have little reason to respect the rule of law. They experience the legal system as punitive, seemingly unfair, and frequently indecipherable. They are unable to afford private legal assistance and their outcomes are often unjust. Access to justice must be a key component of any program of social inclusion. Disadvantaged Australians must have equitable access to timely and appropriate legal assistance and an equal opportunity to exercise their rights within a system of justice that operates fairly.
For the 2009 Conference we are requesting papers and workshop presentations that support/enhance inclusive justice. In particular we would like to invite discussion in the following areas:
• Indigenous justice
• Community solutions
• Human rights
• Housing
• Welfare rights
• Domestic and family violence
• Consumer law
• Environmental protection, and
• Social justice.
CLCs are different from other providers of legal services. They are embedded in their communities and adjust their services to respond to emergencies and changing needs. CLCs initiate and undertake many innovative projects that inform communities and individuals about preventative solutions and that assist community workers and individuals to use the legal system for themselves.
The 2009 National CLCs Conference also invites proposals that showcase CLCs work in the following areas:
• Community development and community legal education
• Family law reform and child support
• Working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Human rights
• Consumer credit financial services and consumer law reform
• Rural, regional and remote issues
• Environmental campaigns and law reform
• Disability activism and conciliation
• Employment rights
• Prisons & law reform
• Pro bono legal services and volunteers
• Financial management, and
• Centre management
If you would like to propose a paper or a workshop please provide a short biography and a 200 words abstract/proposal.
The conference will not be able to accommodate all proposals so your biography and short description are essential. The more information provided, the more helpful it will be for the Conference Organising Committee when they are making their decision.
The Conference Organising Committee will make the final decisions regarding the conference program.
Please submit your proposals to the Conference Organising Committee, through Jane Housley, no later than 25 May 2009.
Jane Housley, NACLC
Tel: 02 9264 9595
Fax: 02 9264 9594
Email: jane_housley@clc.net.au
