Immerse yourself in an interactive, dynamic program designed to empower individuals and communities through the profound principles of restorative justice. You will go beyond theory, gaining practical tools for a meaningful impact through restorative justice principles. Examine the challenges and opportunities of using restorative justice principles. Explore the successes that can be implemented from overseas jurisdictions. Gain a better understanding of the restorative justice processes that already exist in Australia.
Chair
Brenda Robbins, Mediator, Murray Chambers
9.00am to 9.10am Introduction to Restorative Justice in Practice
Presented by Brenda Robbins, Mediator, Murray Chambers
9.10am to 9.40am Legal Perspectives on Restorative Justice in New Zealand: Navigating Context and Experiences
- Restorative Justice (RJ) in New Zealand/Aotearoa and how community groups got started
- How RJ works in practice
- Lawyer's role: the benefit of RJ for your client
- The RJ process: what does it look like
- The Law: Sentencing Amendment Act 2014, Parole Act 2002, Victims Rights Amendment Act 2014
- What lawyers and stakeholders can do
- Locate Judges and prosecutors who are on board with the concept
Presented by Helen Bowen, Barrister, Youth Advocate, Restorative Justice
9.40am to 9.55am Questions: Based on the Information Presented – Facilitated by Chair
- What stands out for you from the information presented?
- What is encouraging or exciting?
Description
Attend and earn 2 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
9.55am to 10.30am Restorative Justice and Some Take-Home Messages for Lawyers
- Differences between the criminal justice system and restorative justice
- How restorative justice can address some limitations of the criminal justice
system - Examples of restorative justice practice being used in or in partnership with various criminal justice institutions
- Some barriers to the development of restorative justice
- Some take-home messages about restorative justice for lawyers
Presented by Dr. Jane Anderson, Adjunct Research Fellow, Population and Global Health. The University of Western Australia
10.50am to 11.00am Closing Remarks: Reflecting on Restorative Justice
Presented by Brenda Robbins, Mediator, Murray Chambers
10.30am to 10.50am Questions: Based on the Information Presented – Facilitated by Chair
- Given your clientele: Would a restorative justice be useful? and how? Who to?
Panel:
Brenda Robbins, Mediator, Murray Chambers (Facilitator)
Helen Bowen, Barrister, Youth Advocate, Restorative Justice
Dr. Jane Anderson, Adjunct Research Fellow, Population and Global Health. The University of Western Australia
With Commentary by Derek Hunter, Solicitor-in-Charge, Legal Aid Western Australia
Presenters
Brenda Robbins, Mediator, Murray Chambers
Brenda is a former barrister who had a broad-based commercial, administrative and criminal law practice (trials and appeals) for over 14 years. She now practices solely as a nationally qualified mediator (NMAS) and restorative practitioner. After long experience as a litigator, Brenda believes in the substantial benefits of mediation over litigation and is a strong advocate for comprehensively incorporating restorative justice approaches into criminal justice, and various community and work settings to bring about healing, fairness and enabling a better future. Prior to her legal career Brenda held several CEO and senior executive positions in State Government agencies. Brenda also chaired and served as a director/member of various Boards and Committees including the Senate UWA, President AIM, Commissioner Legal Aid, Director Keystart Loans Ltd, Chair Metropolitan Cemeteries Board and was a Member of the Racing Penalty Appeals Tribunal (RPAT). She is currently a member of the Churchill Fellowship Assessment Panel for WA.
Helen Bowen, Barrister, Youth Advocate, Restorative Justice
Helen Bowen is a New Zealand criminal barrister, youth advocate and Drug Court lawyer. In 2000 (with Jim Boyack) she was contracted by the New Zealand Department for Courts to provide training for 80 community restorative justice facilitators in four courts. Since then she has provided RJ training services nationally and internationally including working with the Thames Valley Police in London and community groups in Northern Ireland. She continues to provide professional development and supervision with Auckland RJ provider groups and is currently the Chair of a project which provides post-sentence RJ for Maori offenders.
Dr. Jane Anderson, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia
Jane is a social anthropologist and Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia. She has published research on the relationship between religion and the state, religious movements, sexuality and gender, child sexual abuse, restorative justice and peer support work. For the past decade, Jane has worked voluntarily with Anglo-Australian and Noongar groups to design and deliver restorative justice programs and peer supports responses to address pressing local needs. Her work is influenced by scholarly acumen combined with a lived experience of the margins, and a determination to bring about a more just, kinder and fairer world.
