Asian Australian Lawyers Association

05 February 2026

Martin Luther King Jnr once said, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". The important work of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association seeks to counter injustice, so I commend the release of two landmark reports that speak directly to fairness, representation, and access to justice. The 2025 Cultural Diversity Snapshot provides a clear and timely picture of the legal profession today. While Asian Australian lawyers are strongly represented in junior ranks, the report shows that significant barriers remain at senior levels, including at the Bar, in partnerships, and within the judiciary. It is a powerful reminder that progress must be matched with action. I also acknowledge AALA's Superdiversity Action Plan, which builds on earlier research and sets out practical reforms across judicial training, interpreter standards, legal education, and professional development. This work recognises the real challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse litigants and offers a constructive pathway forward. Together, these reports serve as both a mirror and a map, helping ensure our legal system reflects the diversity of modern Australia and delivers justice that is fair, inclusive, and accessible to all.