Through the practice of law the Indigenous Women's Program has contributed directly and consistently to promoting, protecting and advancing the human rights of Aboriginal women and children in particular - people who would otherwise be disadvantaged in getting access to justice. The Indigenous Women's Program is an autonomous program operating within the NSW Women's Legal Resources Centre. In 2000, the program provided legal advice on family law, family violence, child protection and criminal law to over 1,000 Indigenous women and girls in New South Wales. The program has also contributed to a training video on Aboriginal family violence and a comic for young people on family violence. Ms Trimmer said, The Law Council is especially pleased that the critical work of indigenous legal services has been recognised in this years Human Rights Awards.
Indigenous women are particularly vulnerable to being denied access to justice.
The NSW Indigenous Women's Program is an excellent model for other jurisdictions to look to when considering how to better protect Indigenous Women's legal rights. Highly commended by the judges was Paul Richards, a pioneer in the delivery of legal services to Aboriginal people in Queensland. His legacy includes a long list of Aboriginal legal practitioners who have qualified with his help. Ms Trimmer, said The Law Council is very proud to be associated with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's annual Human Rights Awards by sponsoring the law category. The Awards provide a rare chance to recognise the important contribution lawyers make to supporting the human rights of all Australians, including their right of access to justice.