Congratulations to Dr Judith Preston who will be formally conferred her PhD in September for a thesis titled "‘Bloody but unbowed: How international and national legal norms and frameworks can improve recognition and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge in Australian environmental decision-making."
Judith's thesis considers Indigenous Knowledges (IK) in the context of the relationship, rights and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges custodians. A key issue is whether IK and its custodians are respected and consulted effectively within Australian environmental law and governance frameworks in accordance with international law and policy to support Indigenous self-determination. Enabling laws and institutions must address the dispossession and disempowerment suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by colonial powers and the impediments of both past and current governance. Reform proposals centre around national legislation to embed IK and effective input by its custodians into environmental decision-making in Australia.
Judith is a valued member of the sessional staff team and is currently working with our students providing clinical legal education experience at the NSW Land and Environment Court.