One of my priorities as President this year has been to encourage members to join me in supporting the valuable work of Our Watch, the national charity for the prevention of domestic violence. During the course of the year, the Law Society has held a number of events to raise funds for and to promote the work of Our Watch, the most recent being the Law Society’s annual Just Art competition.

It’s been wonderful to have the finalist’s artworks exhibited at 170 Phillip during the past week and to know that funds raised from the sale of the artworks will help support Our Watch in their work. Just Art is a wonderful example of how we can all play a part in helping to drive nationwide change in the structures, norms and practices that lead to violence against women.  

Congratulations to solicitor artists, Amani Haydar, winner of the 2019 Artist’s Choice Award, and Young Brennan, winner of the People’s Choice Award and all of the artists for their inspiring creations. My sincere thanks to Our Watch CEO, Patty Kinsley, Chair Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Deputy Chair Dr Phil Lambert PSM, award-winning artist Yvonne East and everyone who attended the official opening of the Just Art Exhibition last Monday.

I also join Our Watch in welcoming the Council of Australian Government’s recent launch of the Fourth Action Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women, which will ensure a valuable program of activity through to 2022. I commend the Federal Government for their $20.9 million funding commitment to Our Watch, which will greatly assist the charity in its goal to end violence against women and children.

Elizabeth Espinosa, Law Society President

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