Annual Report 2016-17

27 Continuing judicial education Advising judicial officers about Aboriginal intergenerational trauma The trauma one generation experiences individually and collectively, if untreated, can be passed onto subsequent generations, resulting in a complex matrix of physical and mental health issues. The reasons why Aboriginal people are overrepresented in their interactions with the criminal justice system are often understood in terms of social and economic disadvantage. Yet this presents only part of the picture. There is growing awareness that an appreciation of the effects of intergenerational trauma provides the context for negative interactions with the criminal justice system. To raise awareness about the impact of trauma, we organised a seminar with the NSW Bar Association and Law Society of NSW. Dr Robyn Shields AM (pictured) explained that from the time of colonisation to today, Aboriginal people have suffered ongoing psychological distress. This is due to the loss of country, language and cultural identity, protectionist policies and continuing social and economic disadvantage for Aboriginal communities. Complex psychological trauma is manifested, for example, in family violence, child abuse, and drug and alcohol abuse. Trauma needs to be effectively addressed and treated through recognising the losses and hurt caused to Aboriginal people over two centuries. It is crucial that Aboriginal communities design and take ownership of their own services. Understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma and effective therapies will contribute to improved justice outcomes for Aboriginal people. Judicial officers who attended this seminar gave it an overall satisfaction rating of 91% and found it informative and useful for their work.   Field trips for Land and Environment Court judges and commissioners The Old Clare Hotel at Chippendale, Sydney, transformed two heritage listed buildings — a former pub and the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building — into boutique accommodation. The project garnered a heritage award in the 2016 NSW Architecture Awards. Judges and commissioners from the Land and Environment Court visited the site and gave this field trip an overall satisfaction rating of 100%. Urban Growth NSW provided a second popular field trip to the historic Female Factory in the grounds of Cumberland Hospital, Parramatta, home to some of the most significant heritage sites in Australia. The Female Factory, built in 1820 by convict architect Francis Greenway, is a rare example of a convict establishment for women which adapted over the years to accommodate changing philosophies about the care of prisoners and the mentally ill.   A third field trip toured the iconic Hyde Park in Sydney. The City of Sydney arborist discussed the measures taken to protect and maintain the fig trees in the park, the process of replacement as well as their significance to Sydney’s identity. Evaluations of this field trip were very positive with a satisfaction rating of 97%. Case studies Dr Robyn Shields AM (middle) with Mr Tony McAvoy SC (left) and Ms Joanne Selfe (right). Dr Shields presented a moving discussion on the impact of Aboriginal intergenerational trauma. Judicial officers attend a field trip to the historic Female Factory in Parramatta. The building reflects how female prisoners were treated between 1821 to 1848. Aside from making and exporting woven cloth, the Factory was also used as a prison and an asylum.