First Nations

Terms of reference

• Represent the NSW Bar Association and its members on legal policy and practice issues relating to First Nations and First Nations people including:
  • reviewing policies and procedures for the Bar Council and NSW Bar Association to ensure First Nations and First Nations peoples’ perspective are considered where relevant; 
  • advocating for the rights of First Nations and First Nations people on systemic issues of policy such as Indigenous incarceration, discrimination and the impact of domestic violence on First Nations communities. 
• Encourage and support First Nations people to consider a career in the law and at the Bar; 
• Support First Nations people who are members of the profession;
• Organise educational seminars for members regarding issues relating to First Nations affairs;
• Develop and monitor the implementation of the Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan; and
• Provide advice to Bar Council on matters relating to First Nations affairs as required.

Members

Tony McAvoy SC (Chair) 

Andrew Smith (Deputy Chair) 

Chris Ronalds AO SC 

Janet Manuel SC 

Eric Wilson SC 

Susan Phillips

Simeon Beckett 

Nicholas Newton 

Louise Goodchild 

Paul Bolster 

Natasha Case

David Phillips

Charles Gregory 

Damien Beaufils 

Sian McGee 

Travis Jackson

Rebecca McMahon

Ellyse Matterson (Bar Association Staff Member)