The past year has seen multiple high-profile incidents of violent religious hatred in Australia. What influences hatred of religious groups, and how should the legal system respond to it?

The School of Law and Justice at the University of Southern Queensland is addressing these critical questions through an upcoming scholarly colloquium.

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About the Colloquium

The School of Law and Justice is hosting an interdisciplinary scholarly colloquium exploring what motivates religious hatred in Australia and how it could be addressed through legislative reform. This important event brings together academics from various disciplines to examine both the sociological factors behind religious hatred and potential legal frameworks to address these challenges.

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Event Details

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Call for Presentations

Academics are invited to provide scholarly presentations addressing:

• Antecedent factors for tension and violence motivated by religious hate in the Australian context
• Suggested legal responses to religious hatred in Australia

Presentations should be 15–20 minutes in duration, with time for questions to follow. All presentations must be supported by a completed paper or work-in-progress suitable for distribution to other participants.

Following the colloquium, presenters may have the opportunity to contribute to a special journal issue or edited book collection.

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Commitment to Diversity

The University of Southern Queensland is committed to the values of diversity, multiculturalism, and gender equity by fostering an inclusive environment that embraces difference and supports, values, and respects the unique perspectives and approaches of all individuals.

For more information about UniSQ’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit www.usq.edu.au/about-usq/values-culture/diversity-inclusion.

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CRICOS QLD 00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA PRV12081

A/Prof Andrew Hemming’s Research Seminar

We’re pleased to announce the second installment in our School of Law and Justice Research Seminar Series for 2025. Associate Professor Andrew Hemming will be presenting on one of Australia’s most pressing energy policy debates: the role of nuclear power in achieving our carbon zero emissions targets by 2050.

This timely seminar will examine the conflicting cost assessments between CSIRO’s GenCost report and Frontier Economics’ analysis, addressing whether Australia can maintain reliable baseload power without nuclear energy as coal-fired power stations are retired.

For full details including date, time, location, Zoom access, and registration information, please refer to the seminar flyer below. Both in-person and online attendance options are available, but registration by the deadline is required.

We encourage all students, university staff, and community members interested in energy policy, climate change solutions, and the intersection of science and law to attend this thought-provoking presentation.

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The School of Law and Justice welcomes you to our 2025 Research Seminar Series. Join us as academics and practitioners share their research on a range of topics including constitutional reform, Indigenous rights, legal education, and environmental policy. These monthly sessions offer a chance to engage with current issues affecting Australia’s legal landscape.

Seminar details

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Schedule

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Date	Speaker	Title	Venue
20 February*	Paul Chartrand	Reflections on Constitutional Reform and the Evolution of the State-Indigenous Relationship in Canada: Lessons for Australia?	Q402 (TWB)†/Zoom
26 March	Associate Professor Andrew Hemming	Will Australia Require Nuclear Energy to Achieve Carbon Zero Emissions by 2050?	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
23 April	Professor Rachael Field (Bond)	Wellbeing in Legal Education	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
28 May	Associate Professor Rhett Martin	How Should the Agricultural Sector Respond to Natural Capital and Biodiversity Certification Regulation?	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
25 June	Professor Jonathan Crowe	Intuition as a Source of Legal Knowledge	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
23 July	Dr Sarah Butcher	Topic on Privacy	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
27 August	Katrina Pedersen	Neuroscience of Negotiation	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
24 September	Professor Kerstin Braun		Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
22 October	TBC	TBC	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
26 November	Professor Mary Keyes (Griffith)	Jurisdiction Agreements in International Family Litigation	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom

How to attend

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Seminars are delivered in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online attendance.

• In-person: Join us at either the Toowoomba campus (Q402) or specified Ipswich campus room. Free visitor parking is available.
• Online: Participate via Zoom using the meeting ID provided on the seminar flyer. Online attendees can fully participate in the Q&A session.

Registration

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Registration is available through Microsoft Forms approximately two weeks before each seminar. The registration link will be posted on this page.

By registering, you will:

• Get calendar invites and seminar materials
• Be notified of any last-minute changes
• Have access to the Panopto recording after the seminar

Contact information

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Series Convenor: Dr Sarah McKibbin
Email: sarah.mckibbin@unisq.edu.au

If you require any accommodations to participate fully in these seminars, please contact the series convenor.

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Introduction

The School of Law and Justice at UniSQ is excited to announce a new collaboration with the Downs and South West Queensland Law Association (DSWQLA). This partnership will deliver a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars for legal professionals, law students, and academics. Our goal is to provide affordable and relevant CPD opportunities for regional lawyers. This will enhance their professional growth and foster a vibrant legal community.

Bridging the Gap for Regional Lawyers

Accessing quality CPD can be challenging for legal practitioners in regional areas due to geographical and financial constraints. Our partnership with DSWQLA aims to address these barriers. We offer in-person seminars at a reasonable cost. This ensures regional lawyers have the same opportunities for professional development as their metropolitan counterparts. This initiative supports individual growth and strengthens the legal community.

Upcoming Seminar: Mental Health Defences in Criminal Law

Event Details

• Date: 18 July 2024
• Time: 5:30pm
• Venue: Room B102, UniSQ, West St (see interactive Toowoomba campus map)
• Tickets: $25 for Members & Students, $30 for Non-Members
• Extras: Nibbles and drinks will be provided

Join Us for an Evening of Learning and Networking

We invite legal professionals, law students, and academics to join us for this informative seminar. Attendees will benefit from Matthew Le Grand’s expertise. Moreover, they will have the chance to network with peers and engage with the local legal community. This event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with others in the field, and support the professional development of regional lawyers.

Acknowledgements

We extend our thanks to Kirstie Smith for securing Matt as speaker for our inaugural seminar.

How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets can be purchased easily by scanning the QR code below (see promotional flyer) or by clicking here. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your professional skills and connect with the legal community.

Conclusion

The collaboration between UniSQ and DSWQLA marks a significant step forward. By participating in our CPD series, you are investing in your professional development. You are also contributing to the growth and vitality of our legal community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming seminar and many more to come.

Call to Action

Stay tuned for more updates on our CPD series and other exciting events. Follow the School of Law and Justice on LinkedIn or subscribe to the DSWQLA mailing list. Together, let’s continue to empower and support the legal professionals of our region.

#UniSQ #DSWQLA #LegalProfessionals #LawStudents #Academics #CPD #LegalEducation #Collaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment

The research seminar series is convened by Dr Sarah McKibbin. The seminars are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from February to November. The seminars consist of a formal research presentation (40–45 minutes) followed by an opportunity to ask questions. The series hosts presenters from within UniSQ, from other universities in Australia, and from universities overseas.

Unless otherwise noted, seminars take place from 12.30pm to 1.30pm (Qld time). They will be presented on campus (Toowoomba and Ipswich campuses) and online (Zoom). All are welcome to attend.

Many past research seminars are recorded and available online.

For any enquiries, please contact Dr Sarah McKibbin: sarah.mckibbin@unisq.edu.au.

Date	Speaker	Title	Venue
8 February*	Prof Dwight Newman (Saskatchewan)	Retroactive Constitutional Amendments Abstract	Q402 (TWB)† /Zoom
28 February	Assoc Prof Andrew Hemming	Which Brother? Was There One or Two Homicidal Killers in the Gilham Family? Abstract	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
27 March	Kiri Edyvean-Rouhan	Collaborative Practice in Wills and Estates: A Resolution-Focused Approach to Conflict over Inheritance Abstract	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom
24 April	Dr Rhett Martin	Regulating Natural Capital Markets: An Agricultural Perspective Abstract	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom
22 May
26 June	Dr Sarah McKibbin	Institutional Writings in Private International Law Jurisprudence: ‘a haven of certainty in a sea of doubt or controversy’? Abstract	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom
24 July	Dr Jeremy Patrick and Associate Professor Harry Hobbs (UTS)	Beyond Doctrine: Alternative and Critical Approaches to Law in Australia Abstract	Q402 (TWB)/Zoom
28 August	Prof Noeleen McNamara	Wine Law: Current Issues	T108 (IP)/Zoom
25 September	Prof Simon Young	First Nations Water Rights in the US	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom
23 October	Dr Gianni Ribeiro	TBC	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom
27 November	Prof Mary Keyes (Griffith)	TBC	Q402 (TWB) /Zoom

* This seminar is being held on a Thursday, but at the usual time of 12.30–1.30pm (AEST).

† TWB = Toowoomba campus

‡ IP = Ipswich campus

Are you a law student with a passion for making a difference? Are you curious about the legal profession and eager to connect with like-minded peers? Look no further! We are thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring event that puts students at the forefront: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession. This unique gathering is designed exclusively for law students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, 14 September, 2023
• Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm | Panel discussion starts at 6.00pm
• Location: Bond Brisbane – 433 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane
• Event Link: Event Link

Empowering Students, Forging Connections

This event is all about putting students first. As a law student of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, your journey is unique, and your perspective is invaluable. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event offers you the chance to network with professionals, engage in meaningful conversations, and gain insights into the legal landscape that will shape your future.

Why Attend?

1. Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced legal professionals who share your cultural background and who are committed to supporting your journey in the legal field. This is a rare chance to establish connections that could pave the way for mentorship and future collaborations.
2. Interactive Discussions: Engage in panel discussions and Q&A sessions led by respected legal experts. Gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and gather advice on navigating the complexities of the profession.
3. Personal Empowerment: Discover stories of success and perseverance from accomplished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal practitioners. Their journeys will inspire you to overcome obstacles and pursue your ambitions with confidence.
4. Community Building: Forge lifelong friendships and connections with fellow law students who share your heritage. Build a support network that will walk beside you throughout your academic and professional journey.

Your Voice Matters

At the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event, your voice matters. This is an inclusive space where you can openly discuss your experiences, ask questions, and express your aspirations. You’ll find a community that celebrates your cultural identity and encourages you to succeed.

How to Register

Ready to be part of this transformative experience? Registering for the event is easy. Simply visit the event link and secure your spot today. Remember, spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long to secure your place among future legal leaders.

Final Thoughts

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event is a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and education. As a student-centred event, it’s designed to uplift and inspire law students like you who have a passion for justice and equality. Join us for an evening that promises to be enlightening, engaging, and, most importantly, focused on your growth and success. We can’t wait to welcome you and witness the incredible connections and experiences that will unfold.

Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to take your journey in law to the next level. We’ll see you at the event!