The Honourable Justice Lincoln Crowley, who has several firsts to his name, is the keynote speaker at the 2026 Mullenjaiwakka (Lloyd McDermott) Oration on 25 June at the Banco Court.
On 13 June 2022, Justice Crowley was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, becoming the first Indigenous judge appointed to a superior court in Australia.
In 2018, His Honour also became the first Indigenous person appointed as Queen’s Counsel in and for the State of Queensland.
He graduated from James Cook University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Laws. His Honour’s first role in the legal profession was as a solicitor advocate with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Townsville and later in Brisbane.
In that role, he appeared on circuit or as a duty lawyer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people charged with criminal matters.
The Mullenjaiwakka (Lloyd McDermott) Oration is an annual address run by the Indigenous Lawyers Queensland and aimed at educating the Queensland legal community.
This special event brings the profession together to reflect on the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers and leaders.
It seeks to foster dialogue and raise awareness about the current legal issues affecting First Nations peoples.
Oration organiser Wyatt Cook-Revell, an Associate at Jones Day, said Justice Crowley’s involvement in this year’s Oration was particularly significant.
“Justice Crowley is a trailblazer within the Australian legal profession and someone whose career continues to inspire many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students and lawyers,” Mr Cook-Revell said.
“His Honour’s appointment to the Supreme Court of Queensland was an historic moment for the legal profession and for First Nations peoples across the country.”
Mr Cook-Revell said the Oration continued to grow each year and remained an important opportunity for reflection and connection within the profession.
“The Oration is about bringing the profession together to have meaningful conversations about the experiences of First Nations peoples within the legal system and the broader community,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to honour the legacy of Mullenjaiwakka, Lloyd McDermott, whose resilience, leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for others continues to inspire generations of lawyers.”
Mullenjaiwakka (Lloyd McDermott) was Australia’s first Aboriginal barrister. The Oration pays tribute to his achievements, passion for providing opportunities for others, and resilience and strength of character in the face of adversity.
The event will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm. The Oration will start at 6pm, followed by light refreshments, canapes and networking in the Portrait Gallery.
Previous speakers include Her Honour Justice Louise Taylor and Tony McAvoy SC.
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