AustLit

'Nicole Watson, daughter of Aboriginal rights activist Sam Watson, speaks of growing up in Caboolture, Qld. [late 1970's- ]; her unconventional childhood, a big extended family with numerous political visitors; of her father's role as a Black Panther (ie Aboriginal political movement) from the late 1960s onwards; what benefits Aboriginals have gained from the Movement's struggles; talks of racism in Caboolture; feeling isolated being the only Murri (Australian Aboriginal) at a school she viewed to be racist. She credits her mother, a Disability worker with providing stability in the family life. Watson majored in environmental resources law from the University of Queensland; talks about her work for Native Title, work as Associate for Queensland Court of Appeals President (Tony Fitzgerald) after years as a Law Clerk, then a couple of years at Legal Aid.

'Watson speaks of the pitfalls of working for the Native Title Tribunal for whom she worked for 12 months; cultural difficulties faced by Aboriginals when working within the Federal justice system for determining land rights & family law matters; cites Olney & Yorta Yorta claims case, Hindmarsh Island case, TSI heritage Protection Act case as examples; work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), providing advice on Native title policy & law; secondment to Queensland Premiers Dept. working at Cape York Justice especially in areas of domestic violence; her support for Community Justice Programs. Watson speaks of future plans with a view to improving practices in the legal system for native title & family law; her further involvement in Community Arts Gallery.' (Interview summary)