The Federal Circuit and Federal Court of Australia are set to launch their 'Innovative' Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday.
Encompassing 2025-2027, the plan aims to increase access to justice for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples while building on what the Courts described as years of commitment and reconciliation since their first RAP was launched in 2014.
Commitments in the Innovative RAP include inquiring into the feasibility of additional remote circuit locations, holistic support of Indigenous family liaison officers (IFLOs) to help raise awareness of and promote access to specialist Indigenous lists and the IFLOs, and a focus on anti-discrimination and retention of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff through hiring strategies and HR practices.
The Courts Director of Indigenous Operations, Policy and Support, Kirsty Maylin, said she embraced the launch of the Innovate RAP as "a meaningful step towards transforming how we work with, and for First Nations peoples".
"This RAP is more than a document – it's a commitment to increasing cultural safety, equity, and justice within the family law system that must live through our daily actions, not just our intentions," the Wirangu, Kokatha and Western Arrarnta woman said.
"Communities continue to face significant barriers when engaging with the legal systems. Through the RAP we have an opportunity and a responsibility to strengthen trust, embed accountability and walk alongside First Nations families with humility and respect.
"The IFLO program is a practical example of this commitment in action, and I look forward to seeing our shared values carried across all levels of the Courts."
The Courts Innovative RAP will also see increased community engagement through participation in events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week and the continuation of programs such as the Courts' Specialist Indigenous Lists.
Increasing cultural knowledge and awareness among the Courts' staff and Judges and encouraging practices which promote respect, including acknowledging country at significant court events and sittings will also be part of the plan.
Judge Josephine Willis AM said the Innovative RAP marks an exciting time for the Courts.
"In 2025 our Access to Justice committee has worked with our Indigenous Family Liaison Officers and Reconciliation Australia to again commit to a variety of activities and events and processes designed to actively support and enhance relationships and respect, and build relationships between the Court and members of the indigenous communities around Australia," Judge Willis said.
"Through observing and celebrating significant Indigenous events throughout the year, mentoring Indigenous law students or supporting indigenous grandmothers to obtain parenting Orders for their grandchildren who they are raising, the Court is striving to improve access to justice for indigenous litigants."
The Innovative RAP comes after last August's First Nations Forum in Brisbane, where the Courts gathered with more than 50 stakeholders representing First Nations legal services, family violence services, other social support services, Government representatives and First Nations leaders to listen to First Nations experiences of interacting with the Courts, and brainstorm what could be done in the future.
The Courts Deputy Chief Justice McClelland said the Innovative RAP marks another step towards national reconciliation.
"For our Courts to contribute to the nation's move towards reconciliation, we must ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to have greater access to, and engagement with, a family law system that listens to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and innovates to meet those needs," Judge McClelland said.
"Our Courts have paved the way for other courts around Australia in this area, with the Federal Circuit Court having been the first court in Australia to enter into a RAP, and this Innovate RAP builds on the actions and deliverables of that and other previous RAPs."
Deputy Chief Justice McClelland will speak at the Innovative RAP launch in Brisbane on Wednesday, with Aunty Betty McGrady, a Gunggari Elder from Southwest Queensland also set to make an address.
