PORT VILA, DECEMBER 5: Specialist lawyers from the Australian Government Solicitor’s office travelled to Port Vila to assist Vanuatu’s legal community in their efforts to deliver justice for crime victims and uphold the rule of law in communities.
Extensive investments in professional development are underway across Vanuatu’s justice sector, and to supplement these activities, teams from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of the Public Solicitor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre are receiving training from Australian specialists to enhance their essential legal and professional ethics skills.
The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is Australia’s centre of legal excellence, with expertise in managing complex, systemic and precedent-setting areas of law. Two experienced AGS lawyers, Brooke Griffin and Stephen Morris, will deliver the training, which is expected to accommodate up to thirty attendees over two days with a focus on the new Evidence Act, legal ethics and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and people with disability.
Welcoming the kick-off of the training, Acting Public Solicitor Jane Tari highlighted how justice outcomes can depend on the skills of the legal professionals. “Across Vanuatu, our nation’s lawyers play an important role in the criminal and civil justice system. Their efforts both directly and indirectly protect the rights of all, and especially some of the most vulnerable members of the community. This training will help our teams improve their handling of complex cases and strengthen their understanding of evidence and professional ethics. It will also improve their ability to present modern forms of evidence, support fair trials, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work.”
Recognising the commitment of sector leadership in both the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services and across justice agencies to professional growth and capacity development, Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP) Team Leader, Cheri Robinson said Australia was delighted to facilitate the training and help enhance the skills of sector professionals. “The long-term partnership between Vanuatu and Australia aims to deliver improved justice services to communities across the country. This takes time and dedication from the skilled professionals working within the sector,” said Ms. Robinson. “Lawyers across the criminal and civil landscape have a duty to continuously develop and to keep abreast of new and changing laws. Australia is committed to supporting the talented legal professionals as they strive to deliver the services that communities need. We thank the Australian Government Solicitor’s office for their ongoing support. Ultimately, the combined contributions to training and learning help make Vanuatu a more just place for all its citizens.”