Join this session to hear a panel discussion on the variety of services and supports available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system.
This year, the Magistrates’ Koori Court is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the County Koori Court its 15th anniversary. During this time, the range of services and processes across all jurisdictions has expanded greatly.
Hear Judge Scott Johns, presiding judge of the County Koori Court, Magistrate Rose Falla, Supervising Magistrate of Koori Justice, and a panel of Elders discussing the two Courts: their challenges, successes, and programs; and the range of services now available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Speakers.
County Court of Victoria
Judge Scott Johns
Judge Scott Johns was appointed to the County Court in August 2018, and was appointed Judge in Charge of the County Koori Court in February 2022. His Honour’s career in the law extends over a period of 25 years. His Honour was admitted to practice in May 1992, and worked for several years with the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions before joining the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service in the Northern Territory. His Honour joined the Criminal Law Division of Victoria Legal Aid as a Senior Public Defender in 2001, and signed the Bar Roll in May 2003. His Honour’s practice at the Bar was predominantly criminal trial work, but also included appellate and judicial review matters, migration review, administrative law and coronial hearings. His Honour was appointed Silk in November 2017. Towards the end of his career at the Bar, His Honour was regularly appearing for the defence in Supreme Court murder trials.
County Court of Victoria
Judge Scott Johns
Judge Scott Johns was appointed to the County Court in August 2018, and was appointed Judge in Charge of the County Koori Court in February 2022. His Honour’s career in the law extends over a period of 25 years. His Honour was admitted to practice in May 1992, and worked for several years with the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions before joining the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service in the Northern Territory. His Honour joined the Criminal Law Division of Victoria Legal Aid as a Senior Public Defender in 2001, and signed the Bar Roll in May 2003. His Honour’s practice at the Bar was predominantly criminal trial work, but also included appellate and judicial review matters, migration review, administrative law and coronial hearings. His Honour was appointed Silk in November 2017. Towards the end of his career at the Bar, His Honour was regularly appearing for the defence in Supreme Court murder trials.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
Magistrate Rose Falla
Magistrate Rose Falla is a Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba and Mutti Mutti woman. Her Honour’s career has intersected both the private and public sectors with a strong focus on Aboriginal Affairs. After completing her Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University, Magistrate Falla was employed as a Legal Officer at the Department of Justice and was instrumental in the establishment of the first Koori Courts in Victoria. Magistrate Falla went on to enjoy various roles within the OPP such as Principal Solicitor and Associate to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Her Honour has enjoyed a fulfilling legal career, culminating in her appointment as a Magistrate in 2013. Magistrate Falla is the first Aboriginal Magistrate appointed in the State of Victoria. In October 2019, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate, from Deakin University in recognition of her career in law and her service to the community through the establishment of the first Koori Courts in Victoria. In January 2020, Magistrate Falla was appointed the Supervising Magistrate for Koori Justice, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
Magistrate Rose Falla
Magistrate Rose Falla is a Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba and Mutti Mutti woman. Her Honour’s career has intersected both the private and public sectors with a strong focus on Aboriginal Affairs. After completing her Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University, Magistrate Falla was employed as a Legal Officer at the Department of Justice and was instrumental in the establishment of the first Koori Courts in Victoria. Magistrate Falla went on to enjoy various roles within the OPP such as Principal Solicitor and Associate to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Her Honour has enjoyed a fulfilling legal career, culminating in her appointment as a Magistrate in 2013. Magistrate Falla is the first Aboriginal Magistrate appointed in the State of Victoria. In October 2019, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate, from Deakin University in recognition of her career in law and her service to the community through the establishment of the first Koori Courts in Victoria. In January 2020, Magistrate Falla was appointed the Supervising Magistrate for Koori Justice, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Koori Court Elder
Uncle David Farrall
Uncle David Farrall is a proud Eastern Arrernte (Alice Springs) man who has lived in Victoria all his life. He has three children (two boys and one girl) and four grandchildren ranging in ages from 15yrs to 20 yrs.
Uncle David has been involved in the County Koori Court since its establishment in Melbourne in 2013. He also sits on Magistrates (Melbourne) and Children’s Koori Court (on rotation with Dandenong and Heidelberg).
He is now retired after 40 years working for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) as an Operational Firefighter/Officer. While working for the MFB he was awarded several Service Ribbons (bars) and medals, that also include a Black Saturday medal and National Service medal. Uncle David is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP) and Vice Chairpersons of the Boondahwan Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS).
Koori Court Elder
Uncle David Farrall
Uncle David Farrall is a proud Eastern Arrernte (Alice Springs) man who has lived in Victoria all his life. He has three children (two boys and one girl) and four grandchildren ranging in ages from 15yrs to 20 yrs.
Uncle David has been involved in the County Koori Court since its establishment in Melbourne in 2013. He also sits on Magistrates (Melbourne) and Children’s Koori Court (on rotation with Dandenong and Heidelberg).
He is now retired after 40 years working for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) as an Operational Firefighter/Officer. While working for the MFB he was awarded several Service Ribbons (bars) and medals, that also include a Black Saturday medal and National Service medal. Uncle David is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP) and Vice Chairpersons of the Boondahwan Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS).
Koori Court Elder
Aunty Pam Pedersen
Aunty Pam is a Yorta Yorta woman and an Elder of the Victorian Aboriginal community. She is the daughter of Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Nicholls who fought for the struggle of all Aboriginal people. Aunty Pam is an Elder sitting on various Koori Courts in Melbourne as well as in Shepparton a position which she has held since 2005. She is a former Community Member of the Adult Parole Board of Melbourne. Aunty Pam is a very active woman taking part in many community events as well as being on various committees. Her passion is working for her people and was employed by Berry Street Shepparton and Jesuit Social Services working with young people and their families who have come in contact with the criminal justice system as well as working in a capacity building role. She is a keen sportsperson and a role model and an inspiration to all who know her. Aunty Pam has represented Victoria and World Masters Games in many sporting activities such as swimming, running half marathons, triathlons, open water swimming and yachting events. A few of her many achievements include: Order of Australia Medal (OAM) 2019,Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2018, Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll 2016,Australia Day – Federal Award 2005, NAIDOC National Sportsperson of the Year 2005.
Koori Court Elder
Aunty Pam Pedersen
Aunty Pam is a Yorta Yorta woman and an Elder of the Victorian Aboriginal community. She is the daughter of Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Nicholls who fought for the struggle of all Aboriginal people. Aunty Pam is an Elder sitting on various Koori Courts in Melbourne as well as in Shepparton a position which she has held since 2005. She is a former Community Member of the Adult Parole Board of Melbourne. Aunty Pam is a very active woman taking part in many community events as well as being on various committees. Her passion is working for her people and was employed by Berry Street Shepparton and Jesuit Social Services working with young people and their families who have come in contact with the criminal justice system as well as working in a capacity building role. She is a keen sportsperson and a role model and an inspiration to all who know her. Aunty Pam has represented Victoria and World Masters Games in many sporting activities such as swimming, running half marathons, triathlons, open water swimming and yachting events. A few of her many achievements include: Order of Australia Medal (OAM) 2019,Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2018, Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll 2016,Australia Day – Federal Award 2005, NAIDOC National Sportsperson of the Year 2005.
Event resources.
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VideoFIRST NATIONS1 HR 18 MIN
Celebrating Koori Court twilight recording - 7 June 2023.
In 2023, the Magistrates' Koori Court celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the County Koori Court marks its 15th anniversary. To commemorate these milestone anniversaries, JOACAC and the College organised a special event where esteemed Elders Aunty Pam Pedersen and Uncle David Farrall, along with Judge Scott Johns, Magistrate Rose Falla, and County Koori Court Officer Kylie Spencer, shared their unique insights into the transformative impact of these courts on the administration of justice for Koori communities in Victoria.