The ALA noted that in accepting leadership of the organisation, she had reaffirmed the ALA’s commitment to preserving common rights law and ensuring access to justice.

Ms Henderson commented: “For 28 years the ALA’s commitment to justice, fairness and protecting the rights of the individual has not wavered.

“I went into law to make a difference.

“Our values and principles are relevant whether we are fighting for justice for someone injured on the road or in a workplace accident, a survivor of abuse, someone in immigration detention or a person with disability.

“My membership of the ALA has brought me into contact with extraordinary people with strong values, working enormously hard for those people least able to help themselves. I am proud to have this opportunity to now lead the organisation for the next 12 months.”

The ALA is a not-for-profit association established for the benefit of the community and community members who have a particular need by reason of age, infirmity, disablement, poverty or social or economic circumstances. At any one time, ALA members represent at least 200,000 people around Australia.

“There are always enormous challenges but I begin my presidency with a feeling of tremendous optimism,” said Ms Henderson. 

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“The newly minted federal Attorney-General has just discontinued the appalling prosecution of Bernard Collaery, the federal government seems to have a genuine commitment to reconciliation, and there is an increased focus on attempting to address the issues facing the NDIS and the aged care sector.

“There is clearly still much work for the ALA to do — both in advocating for change to eliminate injustice and working to protect existing legislative rights — but I feel positive that we are working in a climate where this will be possible.”

Ms Henderson takes over as national president from Western Australian barrister Graham Droppert SC, who held the role for the past two years and guided the organisation through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.