Mick Dodson
Mick Dodson, born on April 10, 1950, in Katherine, Australia, is a prominent Indigenous Australian lawyer and activist, known for his dedicated advocacy for Aboriginal rights and issues. He is a member of the Yawuru People and became the first Indigenous person in Australia to graduate with a law degree from Monash University in 1974. Dodson’s career began at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services, where he specialized in Indigenous law and became known for his legal expertise in representing Aboriginal peoples. He played a significant role in the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and served as Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner from 1993 to 1998.
In academia, Dodson has held prestigious positions, including a professorship at the Australian National University College of Law, making history as the first Indigenous law professor in Australia. He has also contributed to organizations like Reconciliation Australia, promoting positive relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Recognized globally for his work, he has served on various UN bodies focused on Indigenous rights and was named Australian of the Year in 2009. Despite facing some recent controversies, Dodson remains a leading figure in addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Australia.
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Subject Terms
Mick Dodson
Activist
- Born: April 10, 1950
- Birthplace: Katherine, Australia
Significance: Michael James Dodson is a member of the Yawuru People of Australia. He is the first Aboriginal person to earn a law degree and become a practicing lawyer. Throughout his career, Dodson has continually worked for the betterment of the Indigenous peoples of Australia. He is also a member of the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and a professor at Australian National University.
Background
Michael James Dodson, also known as Mick Dodson, was born on April 10, 1950, in Katherine, Australia. His mother was an Aboriginal Australian and a member of the Yawuru People, who were native to the Broome region of Western Australia. Dodson’s parents died while the future activist was still young. Following their deaths, he attended Monivae College in Hamilton, Victoria. Dodson then attended Monash University, graduating in 1974 with bachelor’s degrees in both jurisprudence and law. Upon his graduation, Dodson was the first Indigenous person in Australia to graduate with a law degree. Dodson’s brother, Pat Dodson, also rose to prominence as an Indigenous leader. Pat Dodson was elected as a Senator to Australia’s Federal Parliament.
Life’s Work
In 1976, Dodson joined the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services, where he worked as a criminal solicitor. After quickly developing a reputation for legal skill, Dodson was promoted to criminal defense barrister. Dodson specialized in Indigenous law, commonly representing Aboriginal peoples in the Australian court system. In 1988, Dodson was appointed counsel to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. He remained in that role through 1990, and the commission’s final report was published in 1991. The report found that the unusually high rates of death for imprisoned Aboriginal peoples in Australia was not due to foul play, but due to persistent deficiencies in the standards of care provided for the prisoners.
Dodson was named Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in 1993. In this position, Dodson was expected to advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians within Australian society. He also worked to build positive relations between Indigenous peoples and White Australians, as well garnering respect for Indigenous rights within the Australian government. Dodson remained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner through 1998.
In 2003, Dodson was named a professor of law at the Australian National University College of Law. He was celebrated as the first Indigenous person in Australian history to become a law professor. In 2005, Dodson was named director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at Australian National University. The organization seeks to broaden Australia’s understanding of Indigenous lifestyles and culture while ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are respected, valued, and incorporated into Australian society.
Dodson played a significant role in the creation of Reconciliation Australia, an organization dedicated to strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The organization works to secure the rights of Indigenous Australians and create a greater historical acceptance of the misfortunes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples due to the Australian government.
In 2021, Dodson faced criticism for allegedly verbally abusing a woman during a sporting event at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
Impact
Dodson is regarded as one of most prominent experts on the issues faced by Indigenous communities in Australia. Throughout his long career, he has continually worked to secure human rights for Indigenous peoples, including improving their access to education and legal representation. In recognition of these efforts, Dodson has served on the board of trustees of the United Nations (UN) Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. In 2005, Dodson was named a member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He also played a notable role in contributing to the writing of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In 2009, Dodson was named Australian of the Year in recognition of his contributions.
Bibliography
“Mick Dodson.” National Portrait Gallery, 2023, www.portrait.gov.au/people/mick-dodson-1950. Accessed 5 July, 2023.
“Mr. Mick Dodson.” United Nations, 2023, www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/members/member-dodson.pdf. Accessed 5 July, 2023.
“NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson Resigns Following Verbal Abuse Allegation.” ABC News, 2021, www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-11/nt-treaty-commissioner-mick-dodson-resigns/100209394. Accessed 5 July, 2023.
“NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson Loses Government Support Following Verbal Abuse Allegations.” SBS News, 2021, www.sbs.com.au/news/article/nt-treaty-commissioner-mick-dodson-loses-government-support-following-verbal-abuse-allegations/ojg8yilwk. Accessed 5 July, 2023.
“Professor Michael James “Mick” Dodson.” Life On the Job, 2023, www.onthejob.education/life‗job/famous‗people/Mick‗Dodson.htm. Accessed 5 July, 2023.
“Professor Mick Dodson.” NCIG.ANU.edu, 2023, ncig.anu.edu.au/professor-mick-dodson. Accessed 5 July, 2023.