Five students from the TC Beirne School of Law were offered internships with Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs) and other indigenous organisations during the Summer break.
The Native Title Intership Program has been placing Australian law students with NTRBs and indigenous organisations since 2004 and attracts over 160 applicants for 36 places. It introduces students to career opportunities and at the same time provides assistance to under-resourced and over-worked NTRB lawyers.
The successful interns from the TC Beirne School of Law for the 2006/07 Internship Program included:
- Helen Miller at the Northern Land Council
- Kate Boomer at Reconciliation Australia
- James Sullivan, a University of Queensland graduate at Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation in Geraldton
- Christina Raymond at Reconciliation Australia
- Alison Foat at the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
As part of their internship, students are expected to assist their host organisation in any way possible. Typical duties can include preparation of briefs to counsel and submissions to government, legal research, preparation of affidavits and attending court with NTRB staff.
Selection for one of the internships requires the applicants to have a strong academic record, an interest in the area of native title and Indigenous affairs, cultural awareness and sensitivity, the willingness to commit to the minimum required period and completion of the property law component of their studies.
More information on the Native Title Internship Program can be found at www.auroraproject.com.au.