Editors --- "ALA National Conference 2019 Awards" [2019] PrecedentAULA 75; (2019) 155 Precedent 45

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ALA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2019 AWARDS

Congratulations to Greg Barns – ALA Member of the Year

At National Conference, Greg Barns was presented with the 2019 Member of the Year Award. Greg’s commitment to the ALA is exceptional. Day after day, he makes himself available to conduct media interviews, contribute to submissions and represent the ALA at hearings and inquiries.

Greg has an outstanding ability to quickly grasp the law and public policy, realise its potential impact on individuals and communicate it convincingly. He is passionate in his advocacy and truly believes in the importance of fair treatment for everyone in the justice system.

Greg has been a long-time campaigner for the rights of the individual, preserving the rule of law, and protecting individuals against the oppressive actions of government. Greg has been tireless in his advocacy on a wide range of issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, drug reform, media freedoms and the rights of vulnerable people in our community.

Greg has been a member of the ALA for more than ten years, a member of the Tasmanian state committee and National President in 2011–12. Congratulations Greg – and thank you for your commitment to the ALA.

George Newhouse wins 2019 Civil Justice Award

The 2019 ALA Civil Justice Award winner is George Newhouse, who co-founded the National Justice Project, a not-for-profit legal centre, in 2016. As the principal solicitor for the Project, he uses the law to support and advance social justice and human rights in Australia.

Like ALA members, George regularly fights for our common law rights and liberties. As he explained in his award acceptance speech, the National Justice Project has used class actions, property law and tort law to fight for the rights of asylum seekers and Indigenous people. George told delegates that, in the face of new and inventive forms of mistreatment, it is the centuries-old common law that he relies on to help his clients access justice.

George’s work through the National Justice Project gives a voice to people who would otherwise be unable to access legal representation and helps to address systemic problems of abuse and discrimination. As well as representing individuals who have experienced severe injustice, many of George’s cases also ultimately have a significant impact on public policy and the law.

George is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Civil Justice Award.