Christopoulos, Andrew --- "President's page: May you live in interesting times" [2020] PrecedentAULA 25; (2020) 158 Precedent 3

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MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES

By Andrew Christopoulos

As my term as National President draws to a close, I have spent time reflecting on what we have achieved as an organisation and, more importantly, where we are going.

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our way of life in countless and unanticipated ways. There has been a quantum shift in the delivery of services, the way we meet, the way we do business and the way we interact with and support those who seek our advice and counsel.

As restrictions ease I cannot help but think that the recent changes will have a lasting effect on what we do.

At the time of writing, we are considering what ‘Plan B’ might look like for National Conference. Presently, there is no doubt that a conference with over 100 delegates, sponsors, volunteers and students would test even the best preventive measures against the spread of the disease. Our colleagues at the American Association for Justice have used the disruption to their annual convention as the catalyst for invention: new delivery platforms are now available to engage stakeholders, and web applications have been developed and deployed with alacrity. But does this provide an adequate substitute for the connection we experience in a face-to-face context? I hope and would prefer that we will meet in person come October.

As a profession, we have been fortunate to avoid the more significant economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The services we provide can be undertaken in a range of locations, with the transactional aspects now supported by common sense legislative measures introduced by parliament.

However, in seeking to accommodate change it is important that we do not allow the pendulum to swing too far. In particular, we must ensure the preservation of our rights and freedoms, including the privacy of our data. Technological initiatives such as the COVIDSafe App intend to benefit us all (and should be supported), but the protection of our private information against government misuse remains essential.

We are witnessing a revolution in the way we practice. To my mind, resistance is likely futile. If we remain challenged as a profession, we will see the best of our colleagues as we continue to protect and serve those who are unable to speak for themselves.

In the last 12 months there have been some extraordinary achievements of which we should be very proud.

The ALA continues to be prolific in its advocacy; one only needs to look at the repertoire of our submissions this year. As a not-for-profit organisation, we have attracted an extraordinary league of volunteers and employees. If I have achieved anything in the last 12 months, it is because I have had the confidence and support of so many who believe in what we do and work tirelessly to that end.

I extend my unequivocal thanks to you all.

At the centrepiece of our achievements is our Reconciliation Action Plan. The document is not a collective tome of motherhood statements, but reflects a genuine roadmap for the process of reconciliation and must be embraced by all in the organisation to have real impact.

To preserve the ALA’s respect and standing in the Australian legal community we must be leaders on this issue.

Achievements aside, there has been no greater satisfaction for me than the pleasure of giving in a representative role. Doing so in a volunteer organisation is not easy – to my team at AC Lawyers, who have done so much for me while I have been zigzagging across the country, words cannot express my gratitude.

To the ALA staff, your capabilities are beyond measure. Anything I have been able to achieve has been because of your support. Thank you.

Above all, I will always be grateful for the associations and friendships that I have formed. We are all richer for what we have done together.

To our incoming president Graham Droppert, I offer congratulations and continued support. Graham is an exceptional thinker and purposive in his approach. I wish him every success.

There is still more for us all to do. To repeat the words of wisdom of one who needs no introduction: ‘Do. Or do not. There is no try.’

Andrew Christopoulos is an accredited personal injury law specialist and Principal of AC Lawyers: Sydney, NSW South Coast and the ACT. PHONE [phone] EMAIL [e-mail].