All In: Reflecting on reconciliation, responsibility and justice.

At its heart, reconciliation is a simple principle, but it is also a complex and ongoing journey. It is built through relationships, listening and a willingness to keep learning.This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, is a reminder that reconciliation requires commitment from all Australians, not only in words, but through actions and shared responsibility.

At Johnston Withers Lawyers, that message resonates strongly with the values and history of our firm.

For decades, Johnston Withers has worked alongside Aboriginal people, communities and organisations across Australia in matters involving native title, land rights, Aboriginal heritage, governance and commercial law.

That work has long been part of the firm’s story and continues today through lawyers including Richard Bradshaw, Special Counsel, Kirsty Bennett, Practice Leader: Native Title and Commercial, and Senior Lawyer Ceilia Divakaran who all supported by Legal Assistant, Chloe Donaldson. Collectively this team has decades of extensive experience in Indigenous Affairs and Native Title.

Our founder, Elliott Johnston QC, believed strongly in justice and access to legal representation for those who may otherwise go unheard.

In 1971, Elliott Johnston and Andrew Collett were instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement in South Australia.

Years later, Elliott Johnston QC was appointed Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, an important moment in Australia’s legal and social history.

In the 1990s, Johnston Withers acted for the Aboriginal people of Maralinga, successfully negotiating compensation relating to the British atomic testing program.

More recently, the firm has continued to support Aboriginal groups across South Australia and around the country in native title claims, heritage protection matters, governance advice, and negotiations with governments, mining companies and other commercial entities.

Ceilia Divakaran also works across native title and Aboriginal land rights matters, supporting the protection of Aboriginal heritage, caring for Country and sustainable economic outcomes for communities.

Kirsty Bennett said the work undertaken by the team is grounded in respectful relationships and understanding the long-term priorities of Aboriginal organisations and communities.

“Many Aboriginal organisations are navigating complex decisions about Country, heritage, governance and economic development,” Kirsty said.

“It is important that they have access to clear, practical legal advice that supports fair outcomes and respects the priorities of community.”

Kirsty has more than 30 years’ experience in commercial law, including extensive work with Aboriginal corporations nationally on major agreements, governance and post-native title commercial arrangements.

She works closely with Richard Bradshaw, who is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading practitioners in Aboriginal land rights, native title and heritage law.

Richard has spent decades working alongside Aboriginal communities across South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales in matters involving native title, compensation claims, Aboriginal heritage protection and negotiations with governments and industry.

“Richard has built deep knowledge and relationships through many years of working alongside communities across the country,” Kirsty said.

“There is a strong sense of responsibility that comes with acting in these matters.”

For Kirsty, National Reconciliation Week is also a reminder that reconciliation cannot rest solely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Reconciliation requires all of us to keep listening, learning and showing respect,” she said.

“It is about relationships, responsibility and action. Meaningful progress happens when people are willing to work together and stay committed over time.”

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and marks two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

At Johnston Withers, we recognise that reconciliation is ongoing. We also recognise the responsibility that comes with our history, our work and our relationships with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities.

As a firm working on Kaurna land and across South Australia, we remain committed to listening, learning and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities through the work we do.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.