Nettheim, Garth --- "Editorial: AboriginalLB Farewells Alastair Walton" [1987] AboriginalLawB 41; (1987) 1(27) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 12

• Editorial: Alb Farewells Alastair Walton
• Alastair Walton

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Editorial: AboriginalLB Farewells Alastair Walton

This issue is my last as fu I I time working editor for the AboriginalLB. Since issue number 12, when I started work on January 2 1985, I have been lucky enough to work with and meet inspiring, colourful and skilled people.

This job has given me the opportunity to learn from the Aboriginal people of Australia and to see the international struggle of indigenous people. For this I am eternally grateful. I thank everyone who has assisted the AboriginalLB and I am sure this support and advice will continue with the new editorial worker.

Due to my absence from the editorial position a promised feature on heritage legislation in Australia has been postponed. Stay tuned.

Also thanks to Julie Green who assisted on this issue in between her law classes.

Alastair Walton

Alastair Walton

Alastair took up the position of editorial assistant early in 1985. Originally the position was intended to be purely editorial 'assistant', to help the AboriginalLB's founding editor, Neil Rees, to bring out the journal. Neil, however, soon had to step down as editor because of the pressure of other business, and Alastair became, in effect, editor-consulting, as opportunity allowed, with any lawyers within range, such as Garth Nettheim, Tony Simpson, Laura Beacroft. For Alastair was not a graduate in law (although he has since commenced a part-time law course) and was employed primarily because of his publications experience and flair.

The latter qualities were immediately evident. From issue No. 13 the AboriginalLB became a much livelier journal in terms of layout, graphics, illustrations, etc. Alastair also developed a range of contacts and was able to pursue stories with a fine sense of journalism and persistence. Under his guiding hand (and despite occasional funding crises) the AboriginalLB has consolidated and improved its position and has settled into a regular publication schedule of six issues per year.

He has resigned to go on to other things but intends to retain his association with the Centre and with the AboriginalLB. His contribution is greatly appreciated, and he will be missed.

Garth Nettheim