Finding A Voice
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 9
10 November - 8 December 2008 ]
Law students, academics and legal professionals have much to learn about Indigenous people, barrister Munya Andrews tells JANINE SIM-JONES.
Growing up in the Kimberley, Munya Andrews did not speak a word for the first five years of her life.
But as an adult, her verbal skills have been the hallmark of a career which this year saw Andrews become one of only three Indigenous barristers currently practising at the Victorian Bar.
“And if that isn’t enough of a minority status, of the grand total of 1700 barristers in the state, I am the only Aboriginal woman,’’ says Andrews.
“I’ve always wanted to go to the Bar since I was at Melbourne Law School. I relished every opportunity I could get to develop my verbal and intellectual skills by taking part in moot competitions and the like,” she says.
“I think as women we are taught not to sing our praises and to make ourselves smaller than what we actually are and of what we are capable. I pride myself that I am a smart, intelligent woman.
“I delight in showcasing my exceptional oratory skills and I rise to the challenge whatever the occasion.”
Andrews, a Bardi woman from the Dampier Peninsula North of Broome, completed a degree in anthropology in Western Australia before travelling to Victoria and eventually enrolling in a Law degree at the University of Melbourne in the early 1990s.
“It was a strong sense of wanting to right the wrongs that inspired me to become a lawyer,” she says.
“It was knowing that my intelligence, my determination, my courage and passion could and can make a difference.
“I am humbled by Indigenous peoples, women, the working class, children, the down-trodden, the oppressed, the raped, the vanquished, the disenfranchised who have taught me all I know about life.
“I am privileged as a barrister to be able to speak on their behalf and to advocate in their stead and, God willing, will continue to be so privileged during the rest of my career.’’
Andrews recalls her days at the University of Melbourne with fondness.
She was an inaugural member of the Women Law Students’ Association, acted as a mentor to younger law students and gave guest lectures on Indigenous legal issues while still a student.
More than 10 years later she remains thrilled at having one of her essays placed in the Law Library as a model answer and that she represented the Law School at an international Family Law mooting competition even though she had not yet studied family law.
Andrews says it is important that more Indigenous people enter into the law, not just as lawyers but also academics, counselors and administrators.
“Aboriginal people bring to the table a unique perspective that we can offer to solving human problems, including those of a legal nature,” she says.
“The more Aboriginal people who participate in this the better. There is nothing more enlightening than diversity of opinion, diversity of experience and diversity of expertise.”
“You owe it to Indigenous people of this land to learn something about us that is not all about negative stereotypes but of the unique gifts of wisdom, insight and ingenuity that Indigenous cultures have to offer the world.
“After all, your heritage is our heritage to share with one another.”
The Melbourne law School web site at www.law.unimelb.edu.au
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