Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I didn’t always want to be a lawyer, but as I became more involved in advocacy and community groups, I realised that the legal system and courts are a really effective tool for change. I wanted to learn more about systems of governance and decision-making processes so I could meaningfully contribute to communities working towards systemic change.

What drew you to Environmental Justice Australia?

Before coming to EJA, I spent a number of years at the Aboriginal legal service in Katherine, focussing on housing, social security, discrimination and child protection. Although challenging, I learnt a lot about government processes, Aboriginal and Australian history, and I also developed a deep love of the Northern Territory and its incredible nature.

The worsening climate and extinction crisis, (which felt very real in the long period of 40-degree heat of Katherine) and seeing the effects of climate change disproportionately impact a lot of my clients in the NT – I think is what propelled me into EJA’s world.

I wanted to shift to broader strategic work, and had followed EJA’s work for a long time. When the opportunity came up to work in the ecosystems team on NT matters, it felt (and continues to feel) like a really wonderful fit.

What do you do at EJA?

I’m a lawyer in the ecosystems team.

I work with communities in the NT trying to protect some of the last remaining intact savannas from land clearing and industrial agriculture. Land clearing has increased dramatically over the past few years in the NT, and broadscale cotton cropping is planned and, in some places, has already commenced.

Despite Australia having one of the highest extinction rates globally, we continue to destroy habitat for threatened species and damage ecosystems. Our team works with individuals and communities to hold governments and corporations to account through strategic litigation.