Refugee advocate Melinda Jackson wins John Gibson AM Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year
4 March 2016
The Law Council of Australia has announced refugee advocate Melinda Jackson as the 2016 John Gibson AM Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year.
Ms Jackson was presented the award by Fiona McLeod SC, President-elect, Law Council of Australia and Christian Bell, National Sales Manager of Migration Manager in Melbourne on Friday night.
Law Council of Australia President Stuart Clark AM said the award was going to an outstanding young lawyer.
“Melinda’s tireless advocacy for refugees is renowned,” Mr Clark said.
“She has devoted not just her professional career, but also so much of her time outside of her employment, to the cause.
“I know the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre was thrilled when Melinda decided to move from private practice in November into her current roles as principal lawyer of the ASRC.
“She has been a valued contributor to a range of papers and submissions for both the Law Council and the Law Institute of Victoria and I hope her work in this area continues long into the future.”
Mr Clark noted Ms Jackson’s role as Chair of the Refugee Committee of the Law Institute of Victoria and, through it, her work as Chair of the Legacy Caseload Working Group, a group of not-for-profit and commercial migration lawyers and various associations in the field.
“Bringing together the Caseload Working Group is critical to finding ways to link people with legal assistance when there is limited and, in many cases, no legal funding,” Mr Clark said.
“Melinda has been completely dedicated in her efforts to constructively address this problem and many others. This award represents the well-deserved acknowledgement and acclaim of her peers.”
Melinda’s award honours John Gibson AM (1950–2012), one of Australia's most admired advocates, who was unceasing in his efforts to promote the rights of refugees and asylum seekers for over 25 years.
Media contacts:
Anil Lambert: Media
P. 0416 426 722 E. Anil@hortonadvisory.com.au
Last Updated on 23/11/2017
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