The Victorian Bar has commenced its fourth Reconciliation Action Plan with a commitment to continuing its support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers and improving access to justice.
The Victorian Bar released its July 2025 to June 2027 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the fourth since the Bar Council and Indigenous Justice Committee resolved to prepare the plans in 2010.
Its vision includes a legal profession in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can expect equal treatment, and those who become lawyers are valued, encouraged, respected, and have access to embedded support and equal opportunities.
President Justin Hannebery KC said members of the Victorian Bar have a “long history” of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through pro bono work and support of justice causes.
“There is an ever-increasing demand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander barristers and for those who can deliver high-quality legal advice and representation in a culturally sensitive and informed manner,” he said.
“We are proud to adopt the fourth RAP and continue to make meaningful contributions to reconciliation and access to justice as a whole.”
In 2025, there are nine practising members who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, which is double the number in 2019 and the most of any other state or territory bar association.
In the foreword, Magistrate Abigail Burchill, a Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung woman, acknowledged the Bar’s “long history” of barristers developing strong professional relationships with these communities.
“This long history underpins and informs the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
“It represents leadership and respect, and it represents an opportunity to the Victorian Bar to become a more informed and culturally aware environment that I hope attracts and supports more First Peoples’ barristers,” Burchill said.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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