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The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW is an independent statutory body working to improve access to justice in NSW, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people. The 2010 Justice Awards were presented by the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW at the annual Justice Awards dinner at Parliament House, Sydney on 14 October. In their 12th year, the Justice Awards recognise the contributions everyday people are making to improve access to justice in NSW, especially for disadvantaged people.


The Justice Medal, the 'gold logie' of the legal field, is  awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in improving access to justice in NSW, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people. This year it was awarded to Ms Rachael Martin

Rachael has been Principal Solicitor at Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre for more than a decade where she provides high quality legal assistance and advice, delivers community legal education and has influenced law reform and policy development. She works closely with the community legal sector and government bodies to ensure that Aboriginal women and children are able to better access legal and support services, particularly in relation to domestic violence and victims compensation.

Rachael is a strong voice within the community legal sector and has worked with passion and determination to ensure that legal services and victim’s compensation are more accessible to Aboriginal women and children, particularly in the complex field of violence and sexual assault.

Helen Campbell, Chair of Community Legal Centres NSW, congratulated Rachael on this recognition of her many years of dedicated work to improve access to justice for Aboriginal women. "Rachael is truly an unsung hero of the justice sector and this recognition is very well-deserved." she said. "Rachael's acceptance speech was particularly moving. With characteristic modesty, Rachael reminded us that 'this one is for all the clients' who have the courage to stand up for their rights in the most challenging of circumstances."

While many in the legal profession assist people to assert their rights, it is rare to find someone who has put in such a sustained effort in a small and poorly resourced service, and to retain her commitment and enthusiasm throughout her career. Well done, Rachael!