Pat O’Shane Quotes

Lawyer
Australia
1941

Pat O’Shane is an Australian lawyer, activist, and former magistrate who has made significant contributions to the fields of law and social justice. She was the first Indigenous woman to be admitted to the New South Wales Bar and the first Aboriginal person to be appointed as a magistrate in Australia. O’Shane has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians and has worked tirelessly to address issues of discrimination and inequality. She has also served as the Commissioner for the New South Wales Crime Commission and has been recognized for her work with numerous awards, including the Order of Australia. O’Shane is also a prolific writer, with notable works including her autobiography “The Power of Speech” and the book “Speaking from the Heart: Stories of Life, Family and Country.” Overall, O’Shane’s career and activism have made her a highly respected and influential figure in Australia.Read Less

Obstacles are there to get around, climb over or scramble through. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Pat O'Shane, Climbs, Obstacles, Women, 0

- Pat O'Shane

Lawyer

· Australia

They (the women) will always do it, it seems to me… I am woman and I am strong. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Pat O'Shane, Strong Women, 0

- Pat O'Shane

Lawyer

· Australia

Strong Women

Pat O’Shane Career Highlights

In 1971, Pat O’Shane became the first Aboriginal woman to graduate from the University of New South Wales with a law degree.
In 1975, she was admitted to the New South Wales Bar and became the first Aboriginal woman to be admitted to the Bar in Australia.
In 1986, O’Shane was appointed as a magistrate, making her the first Aboriginal woman to hold such a position in Australia.
In 1991, she was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
In 1994, O’Shane was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services.
In 1995, she was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Juvenile Justice.
In 1999, O’Shane was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Education and Training.
In 2003, she was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Community Services.
In 2006, O’Shane was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
In 2007, she was appointed as the first female and first Aboriginal head of the New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs for the second time.

Key Contributions by Pat O’Shane

As a magistrate, O’Shane was known for her fair and compassionate approach to sentencing, particularly for Indigenous offenders. She also advocated for alternative sentencing options, such as community service, for non-violent offenders.
As the head of various government departments, O’Shane implemented policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of Indigenous Australians, including education and training initiatives, and programs to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.
O’Shane has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians, particularly in the areas of land rights, self-determination, and reconciliation. She has also been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

What Sets Pat O’Shane Apart

O’Shane’s achievements as the first Aboriginal woman in various high-ranking positions in the Australian government have broken barriers and paved the way for other Indigenous women to follow in her footsteps.
Her dedication to social justice and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians have earned her widespread respect and admiration.
O’Shane’s strong leadership skills, coupled with her legal expertise and deep understanding of Indigenous issues, have made her a highly influential figure in the legal and political spheres of Australia.

Takeaways

Pat O’Shane’s career highlights and key contributions serve as an inspiration for aspiring Indigenous lawyers and leaders, showing that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Her legacy continues to have a lasting impact on the legal and political landscape of Australia, particularly in the areas of Indigenous rights and social justice.
O’Shane’s achievements highlight the importance of diversity and representation in positions of power, and the need for continued efforts towards reconciliation and addressing systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians.

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