Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (14:35): My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney-General inform the council on the 2024 Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program and its continued success?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am most glad to inform the council on the continuing success of the Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program. Since 2004, the Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program has been providing invaluable support to Aboriginal law students across South Australia. With around 30 students and 50 mentors each year, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring that aspiring Aboriginal legal professionals not only succeed academically but also transition confidently into the legal profession.

The journey to becoming a lawyer can be challenging, but the Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring Program ensures no student walks this path alone. Through one-on-one mentorship students are connected with legal professionals who offer guidance, networking opportunities, work experience and general support. These mentors in turn often gain as much as they give learning through those they mentor, strengthening their commitment to a diverse and inclusive legal profession.

Beyond mentoring, the Aboriginal Legal Student Mentoring Program provides a range of career-building opportunities. Students participate in networking events, where they engage with judges, lawyers and university staff in a supporting environment. Programs like Week with a Judge allow students to shadow legal professionals in courtrooms, offering firsthand insights into legal practice.

Through scholarships, internships and clerkships facilitated by the program sponsors, students can gain crucial industry experience that helps them enter the profession with confidence. The legal profession needs more Aboriginal voices, voices that can carry the strength of the culture, the wisdom of leaders before them and their determination to create a fairer and more just society. Every mentor, sponsor and supporter plays a crucial role in making this happen. I look forward to being able to update the chamber on the continuing success of this program.