From the CEO: Society news and updates

KELVIN STRANGE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LAW SOCIETY NT

Society news and updates

START AT THE TOP FAMILY LAW CONFERENCE

23 JANUARY 2021 W ell 2021 has well and truly arrived and the Society has hit the ground running. First and foremost, I am pleased (and relieved) to report that the transfer of presidential powers at the Society has run much more smoothly than elsewhere in the world with barely a mention of impeachment. This is just as well, given the prospect of a very busy year ahead still impacted very much by things pandemic.

The year began with the running of a very successful Start at the Top Family Law Conference over the Australia Day weekend. The decision to proceed with the conference this year was not made without some trepidation and so it was extremely pleasing to have over 75 delegates attend the conference with a very large contingent from interstate. Once again the efforts of Judge Cole OAM of the Federal Circuit Court, the Family Law Committee and the Secretariat’s Carolyn Zombolas in organising the conference must be acknowledged.

Hot on the heels of the conference came the annual Opening of the Legal Year events in Darwin and Alice Springs both of which were well attended. As always the Society thanks the Attorney-General and Chief Justice for their attendance and contribution. Thanks is also extended to Dr Jacoba Brasch QC, the current Law Council of Australia President for her interesting insights into her connections other matters.

The Society would also like to congratulate Tass Liveris who in December was elected to the position of President Elect of the Law Council of Australia. Tass has had a long association with both the Society and the Law Council representing the Northern Territory legal

profession and the Society wishes him well in his new role.

I must also mention that the Society’s new Council has already commenced its work with its second meeting for the year held last week. There are quite a few new faces on Council this year with their details included in this edition, so please take a moment to review who’s who. The work of the various committees have also recommenced.

It is to be hoped that this year will see a gradual return to normality with a successful rollout of a vaccination program and general reopening of trade, commerce and travel between the States and Territories and eventually internationally. It is likely however that the year will again present its own surprises, challenges and opportunities to both the legal profession and wider community.

On behalf of everyone here at the Secretariat I wish everyone the best for 2021. The Society and the Secretariat looks forward to working with the profession throughout the year and assisting in any way.

ceo@lawsocietynt.asn.au (08) 8981 5104

Recent Law Society NT advocacy and activities

SUBMISSIONS Specialists Approach to Domestic & Family Violence 04/02/21 ENGAGEMENTS Bilata Pathways Reference Group Meeting & morning tea with Pre-Law participants 04/02/21 President & CEO meeting with Chief Judge Local Court 04/02/21 President & CEO meeting with NTBA 05/02/2021 President & CEO meeting with AGD 05/02/21 President & CEO meeting with Chief Justice 15/02/21 CPDs HELD Start at the Top Family Law Conference

NT legislation

Taxation Administration Amendment Bill 2021

INTRO PASSED AMENDED

25/02/21

Mineral Royalty Amendment Bill 2021 25/02/21 Planning Amendment Bill 2021 16/02/21 25/02/21 NO

Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill 2021

16/02/21 23/02/21 NO

Police Administration Amendment Bill 2021

18/02/21

Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2021 18/02/21

Liquor Further Amendment Bill 2020 11/11/20 12/11/20 YES Statute Law Repeals Bill 2020 12/11/20 24/02/21 NO Treasury and Finance Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 10/11/20 11/12/20 NO

Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020 10/11/20 11/12/20 NO Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Amendment Bill 2020 12/11/20 18/02/21 NO

Weapons Control Amendment Bill 2020 12/11/20 16/02/21 NO Statute Law Revision Bill 2020 22/10/20 12/11/20 NO

Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

22/10/20

Legislation information sourced 9.19 am, 26/02/2021 from: https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/LegislationPortal/Bills/By-Session