Sunday 15 April 2012

Second National Rural Regional Law and Justice Conference, 18-20 May 2012 at Coffs Harbour, NSW


The Second National Rural Regional Law and Justice Conference is to be hosted by University of New England in collaboration with Deakin University School of Law.

This national conference has a triple focus:
  • On sharing knowledge amongst attendees with different professional backgrounds and concerns, but a shared interest in the future of rural and regional Australia
  • On critical analysis of issues and problems
  • On practical strategies for delivering greater social justice for rural and regional communities
Dates: 18 - 20 May 2012
Venue: Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Registrations:
Early Bird:
$300 close 23 March 2012
Standard: $395 close 20 April 2012
Register for the conference today.

Keynote speakers listed here.
More information:
Visit the National Rural/Regional Law and Justice Conference website.

The mining boom is an unmitigated good in the eyes of many and further proof that Australia is indeed the lucky country. But it is not luck shared by all. Farming, mining and Indigenous communities are amongst those many Australians suffering its downside. Its economic benefits frequently fly over these communities, leaving them only with its adverse social and environmental impacts.

Several speakers at the 2nd National Rural and Regional Law and Justice Conference will take up these issues. National leader writer for The Australian and research scholar at ANU, Paul Cleary has subjected the impacts of the mining boom to the sternest scrutiny in his best selling 'Too Much Luck: The Mining Boom and Australia's Future' and the forthcoming 'Mine-Field: The Dark Side of Australia's Resources Frenzy'. His keynote address will look at the implications of the boom for rural and regional communities.

There will also be a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to listen (and speak) to the leading US commentator on rural democracy and justice, Jim Hightower.  Author of 5 popular books, 2 times Texas Agriculture Commissioner, and one of the most informative and entertaining commentators on rural affairs in the USA, Jim brings a hard-hitting viewpoint that will make everyone think. Jim Hightower speaks for the interests of rural communities across the USA, and broadcasts daily radio commentaries that are carried in more than 150 commercial and public stations, on the web, and on Radio for Peace International.  Jim will be talking about challenges faced by rural communities in Australia and the USA, ‘fracking’ and farming, and the power games that impact on farming communities.

The program features a range of speakers who will explore issues concerning mining development in rural and regional communities, and the role of the law in managing such conflict. The justice and equity issues of mining developments, and the impact these have on communities, will be debated in several thought-provoking and engaging sessions, including:
·         Professor Kerry Carrington, Queensland University of Technology: The social and criminological impact of mining development on rural communities
·         Adam Edwards, University of New England: Grass v Gas: The role of private nuisance in agriculture / mining land use conflict
·         Tony Meacham, University of Southern Queensland: 20 Years after Mabo – Is there any more certainty for pastoralists, miners, and Indigenous people?
·         Dr Jacqueline Williams, University of New England, and Sue Higginson, Environmental Defender’s Office: Mining: Coming to a farm near you
[Email from Jacqueline Williams, BAppSc MAppSc PhD, Senior Researcher AgLaw Centre University of New England]

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