Acknowledgement of Country and Community

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this Bench Book may contain names, words and stories of deceased persons.

Readers should also be aware that this Bench Book includes content that may be confronting and/or may cause distress. Further, where it is relevant for the purpose of historical and/or legal accuracy, this Bench Book includes language or words that are offensive and inappropriate. Please take care when reading.

The Jumbunna Research Team, the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Limited and all contributors to this Bench Book wish to acknowledge and pay deep respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia, the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We acknowledge the ongoing connections that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to land, sky, waters and community and recognise that their sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay our deep respects to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people who may use this Bench Book.

We acknowledge and have deep gratitude to the First Nations peoples whose knowledges, stories, and lived experiences have shaped and informed this Bench Book. We pay our respects to Elders past and present for their custodianship of Country and Culture, knowledge and resilience, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples who have generously shared their time, insight, and truths to inform this Bench Book.

We recognise the authority, rights and responsibilities belonging to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities who are the experts in their lived experiences. We specifically acknowledge the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples and communities who continue to uphold cultural authority, self-determination and truth-telling, and lead, speak, and act for justice.

This Bench Book is not and cannot be an authoritative voice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences. This Bench book intends to enable a deeper understanding of, and bring to the forefront, critical evidence, issues, concerns and priorities relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples engaging with the Australian federal and state-based legal systems and laws.