2016 Seminars
Presentation Type
Presentation
Location
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Broome Campus
Start Date
1-9-2016 12:30 PM
Description
Greg has experienced the justice system in many forms during his life as a witness, as an observer and as a participant. Although Greg does not hold a formal qualification in justice, his experiences comes from the ‘front line’ as the son of a passionate Aboriginal legal specialist whose commitment was to look at justice in more practical and alternative ways. Drawing on these experiences, he has contributed to changing and improving the process of justice in personal care. In mid-2008, Greg was approached to work with the then contracted Prisoner Transport Company in Western Australia to assist in the redevelopment of their West Australian operations. This came about as a response to the tragic death of Aboriginal Elder, Mr Ward, in Kalgoorlie in January of the same year. Greg’s reputation, connections and success in working with Aboriginal communities, affiliated governing bodies, his family’s’ recognised achievements and his personal participation encouraged the organisation to place their belief in his ability to assist with the healing processes to come. Greg accepted a challenge which daunted most people and for which, he faced criticism. Nevertheless, Greg embarked on a journey in justice which, made him more aware of how behaviour, and psychological and physiological limitations triggered a tragedy that rocked a nation’s people. Greg’s presentation is not an account of that tragic day in January 2008 when Mr Ward lost his life. Rather it is about how Aboriginal people react to being sentenced and our response to these judgements, our lack of awareness and the fight for justice. During his time with the Prisoner Transport Company, Greg identified messages, signals and signs which, he would like to share. Greg’s message is that collectively we can all make a difference to the future by keeping the human spirit in mind when considering those facing incarceration and separation.
Recommended Citation
Bridge, Greg, "How Do We Interpret Language Used In The Justice System?" (2016). Talking Heads Seminar Series. 5.
https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/nulungu_talkingheads/2016/schedule/5
How Do We Interpret Language Used In The Justice System?
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Broome Campus
Greg has experienced the justice system in many forms during his life as a witness, as an observer and as a participant. Although Greg does not hold a formal qualification in justice, his experiences comes from the ‘front line’ as the son of a passionate Aboriginal legal specialist whose commitment was to look at justice in more practical and alternative ways. Drawing on these experiences, he has contributed to changing and improving the process of justice in personal care. In mid-2008, Greg was approached to work with the then contracted Prisoner Transport Company in Western Australia to assist in the redevelopment of their West Australian operations. This came about as a response to the tragic death of Aboriginal Elder, Mr Ward, in Kalgoorlie in January of the same year. Greg’s reputation, connections and success in working with Aboriginal communities, affiliated governing bodies, his family’s’ recognised achievements and his personal participation encouraged the organisation to place their belief in his ability to assist with the healing processes to come. Greg accepted a challenge which daunted most people and for which, he faced criticism. Nevertheless, Greg embarked on a journey in justice which, made him more aware of how behaviour, and psychological and physiological limitations triggered a tragedy that rocked a nation’s people. Greg’s presentation is not an account of that tragic day in January 2008 when Mr Ward lost his life. Rather it is about how Aboriginal people react to being sentenced and our response to these judgements, our lack of awareness and the fight for justice. During his time with the Prisoner Transport Company, Greg identified messages, signals and signs which, he would like to share. Greg’s message is that collectively we can all make a difference to the future by keeping the human spirit in mind when considering those facing incarceration and separation.
