Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly offered an old adage at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Naoero Law Society this week: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
“Today, our two law societies choose to go further together,” Mr Jolly said on Monday at Law Society House in Brisbane, where he signed the document with his counterpart from Naoero, Barina Waqa Duburiya.
The MOU paves the way for the two Presidents, and/or the CEOs, to communicate regularly, at least once a year in person or online.
It aims to enhance the societies’ relationship to facilitate initiatives including attendance at society conferences; discussion and consultation about laws affecting trade between the two countries; and an annual review of important developments in law in the two countries.
The societies also agree to welcome visits by each other, and to help each other in relation to CPD requirements for practising certificates.
Mr Jolly said the agreement represented more than a formal document.
“It reflects a shared commitment to the rule of law, professional excellence, and the important role that independent legal professions play in supporting strong and just societies,” he said.
“Our legal communities have much to learn from one another. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we are creating new opportunities for cooperation, professional development, knowledge sharing, and the strengthening of relationships between our respective legal professions.
“While our jurisdictions may differ in size and circumstance, we are united by common values: integrity, service to the community, and a commitment to ensuring access to justice for all.”
Ms Waqa Duburiya agreed with Mr Jolly’s sentiments.
“If anything, I’ll just add that the true journey of justice has no boundaries, whether you are in Queensland or in Naoero,” she said.
“The fundamentals are ensuring that people are treated right, treated well, that humanity always takes priority over individuals’ greed.
“Boundaries cease to exist in that space, so we look forward to this relationship.”
She said the MOU was a “start to many things”.
“It’s a milestone for us, because it’s the first ever MOU we’re signing with a foreign jurisdiction (law society), and so being first is not always the priority, but it’s a good place to start,” she said.
“Thank you so much for extending that hand of friendship and a relationship under this MOU.”
The agreement follows an MOU signed between the Queensland Law Society and the Fiji Law Society in 2002.
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