Over 80 Papua New Guinean law students were recently involved in a training with some of Australia’s top legal experts, to refine court room skills in Criminal Litigation and Civil Advocacy.
The training is part of a partnership between the PNG Legal Training Institute (LTI), and the Victorian Bar and the Australian Government.
The workshop was funded by the Australian Government as part of its partnership with PNG supporting the goal of a ‘Just, Safe and Secure Society’ for all.
For over 15 years, members of the Victorian Bar have volunteered their time and expertise to train PNG’ fledgling lawyers. This year the group was led by Justice Christopher O’Neil, on behalf of the Pacific Rim Committee, of the Victorian Bar.
The students were taken through intensive training on enhanced criminal litigation, advocacy skills and mock court sessions to practise making submissions on behalf of their clients, leading evidence and cross-examining witnesses.
Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika spoke about the importance of self-discipline, and advised students to be strong team players by playing by the rules.
Trainee, Moana Nahuet said learning from some of Australia’s top women barristers alongside the nearly all-women LTI team has been very encouraging.
Fellow student Nathan Hukula said he gained handy tips on how to be an effective advocate when he gets to practice law.
Australian High Commission representative, Peter Fennell, said students with strong criminal justice skills would help to support better and fairer justice outcomes for Papua New Guineans.
