A Charles Darwin University law graduate has been recognised as Australia’s pre-eminent Indigenous legal professional.
A 2001 graduate of CDU’s predecessor institution, the Northern Territory University, Nigel Browne was honoured as the National Indigenous Legal Professional of 2011 in winning the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Award as part of the recent 6th National Indigenous Legal Conference.
The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s award recognises the exceptional commitment of Indigenous legal professionals, not only in the field of law but also as members of their community and as champions of the rights of Indigenous people.
President of the Law Society Northern Territory, Matthew Storey said all Territory legal professionals were honoured by this national award being presented to one of their colleagues and a member of the Law Society Northern Territory Council.
“Nigel is a worthy recipient of this award and it is wonderful to see his commitment to the community and the profession being recognised,” he said.
“These awards are a beacon to Indigenous students, encouraging them to commence this long and sometimes difficult path and encouraging renewed dedication and commitment to completing their legal studies.
“Nigel is a shining light to all of us.”
Mr Browne has made a significant contribution to the community through his work as a director on the board of the Larrakia Development Corporation, where he is the current chairperson.
In this role he has harnessed the support of and championed the rights of the Larrakia people and has been instrumental in achieving resolutions to some of the many issues arising from the longest running Land Rights claim in Australia’s history, the Kenbi decision.