Queensland's Indigenous legal and justice community - present and future - have gathered in Brisbane for the 2012 Indigenous Law and Justice Dinner.
The annual event attracted about 100 people and was hosted by QUT and the Southbank Institute of Technology.
Indigenous law and justice students from five tertiary institutions across Brisbane were among the guests, and had the chance to hear from respected QUT law graduate Inspector Chris Emzim, Queensland's State Water Police Coordinator, about his 25-year career with the Queensland Police Service.
The guests also included academics, school students, elders from the Murri Court of Brisbane, and representatives from local law firms, the Bar, the judiciary, police and government.
Magistrate Jacqui Payne was master of ceremonies and local Indigenous elder Uncle Des Sandy provided the welcome.
QUT's acting dean of law, Professor Rosalind Mason, said the event was unique for a number of reasons.
"The Indigenous Law and Justice Dinner brings together current Indigenous students from across all education levels (high school, TAFE, universities) and provides them with an opportunity to meet and network with each other," she said.
"The students also get the chance to meet with industry professionals working in the law, justice, and criminology areas, and hear from Indigenous graduates about their experiences and how their education has created opportunities.
"The dinner also provides a forum for students to speak directly with these people about career opportunities and build networks."
Professor Anita Lee Hong, the director of QUT's Oodgeroo Unit, said the dinner also gave the university a chance to recognise supportive employers.
"We specifically invite representatives from organisations with a demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining career pathways for Indigenous people," she said.
Students attended the dinner from QUT, SBIT, Griffith University, University of Queensland, and Brisbane North Institute of Technology, as well as local high schools.
Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
