ALRC President wins legal accolades

Professor Rosalind Croucher, President of the Australian Law Reform Commission, received two awards this week recognising her outstanding contribution to the legal profession and to shaping law and policy in Australia—The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014, and the Gordon and Jackson Australian Women Lawyers Award (AWL Award).

Professor Croucher was announced winner of the AWL Award at the Gala Dinner of the Australian Women Lawyers 5th National Conference on 4 October 2014.

The AWL Award recognises women who have made an exceptional contribution to the legal profession. This award recognises not only Professor Croucher’s achievements in academia and law reform, but also the long-term leadership and commitment she has provided in the support and advancement of women in the legal profession as an inspirational teacher, mentor and role model.

In a speech delivered on her behalf at the Award ceremony, Professor Croucher said she was deeply honoured to be chosen for this award and to have been nominated by the NSW Women Lawyers’ Association.

Describing her career, Professor Croucher said, “One of the greatest privileges has been the opportunity—and delight—of being able to encourage and mentor so many women, and men, around me. A deep and abiding joy is to see those I have sought to nurture flourish around me, building careers and becoming role models and mentors in turn.”

Earlier in the week Professor Croucher was announced as a winner in The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014. Professor Croucher was recognised in the Public Policy category for her contribution to law reform and policy development. As Commissioner, and then as President, Professor Croucher has led the Australian Law Reform Commission through numerous law reform inquiries of great public policy significance, including Secrecy and Open Government, Family Violence, Age Barriers to Work, and Disability. Professor Croucher served as Dean of Law at Macquarie University for more than seven years. She maintains her Professorial status at Macquarie University and continues to build and promote relationships between academia, government agencies and the wider community.

Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood said: “This year’s 100 Women of Influence join a growing movement that is changing our society for the better in a myriad of ways. Thanks and congratulations to everyone for the contribution they are making.”

On Wednesday 22 October, a gala event will be held at Sydney’s Town Hall to celebrate these women and the significant impact that each has made within their chosen field. The ten category winners and overall winner for the year will also be announced on the evening.