17 August 2017
Today the University of South Australia Law School is hosting the first of a new named annual lecture series - the John Mansfield Lectures - and it will be namesake, Honorary Doctor of the University, expert in Native Title jurisprudence and former Judge of the federal Court, The Honourable John Mansfield AM QC, who will deliver the inaugural lecture.
Mansfield will explore the progress of Indigenous land rights from the breakthrough Mabo decision in 1992 to the formation of 1993 Native Title Act and how native Title claims have been managed through the court system.
Widely respected for his careful and empathetic application of the Native Title legislation, he delivered 145 judgments, including 20 Full Court decisions, in Native Title over the span of his career.
Mansfield’s deep understanding of how Aboriginal law and customs operate, and how the Aboriginal language communicates ideas and subtleties about the connection of people to the land was a hallmark of his approach.
In this important lecture, he will explore the procedural effectiveness of the Native Title Act 1993 to date; including the assessment of compensation for Indigenous land rights taken away, and the challenges and options for future effective recognition of Indigenous land rights.
Dean and Head of the School of Law at UniSA, Professor Wendy Lacey says the School is proud to present the new named annual lecture and to welcome Mansfield as it inaugural presenter.
“John’s career is an inspiration for all who study law because he has always applied both the strength of his intellect and his humanity to his work,” Prof Lacey says.
“This lecture will provide invaluable insights for all students, practitioners and those interested in the law and sets a bar for the future of these lectures, which are designed to deliver wisdom, experience, insights and innovation about the law to an annual audience.”
The lecture will be commence at 5.30pm in the Allan Scott Auditorium, Hawke Building, UniSA City West Campus, 55 North Terrace, Adelaide.
Guests include Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Kyam Maher and the traditional Welcome to Country will be delivered by Kaurna Elder, Frank Wanganeen, Premier’s Naidoc Award Winner 2017.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
