The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) welcomes and applauds the appointment of the Honourable Hament Dhanji SC as a judge of the Supreme Court of NSW and would like to extend its heartiest congratulations to him. This is a significant appointment as he is the first Australian of Indian descent to be appointed to the NSW Supreme Court and one of only a few Australians with Asian heritage to be appointed as a judge of an Australian superior court.

AALA is the first incorporated association in Australia to focus on the growing number of Asian Australian lawyers in the profession, as well as other lawyers with an interest in Asia. AALA's mission is to advance cultural diversity in the legal profession and beyond and connect lawyers with an interest in Asia. The importance of increased cultural diversity in the legal profession cannot be underestimated. Where the makeup of our judiciary is reflective of our Australian demographic, the litigant is likely to have greater faith in the dispensation of justice.

AALA has been vocal in our advocacy for more diversity in judicial appointments and this appointment lends credence to our work. Though much still needs to change, this appointment will hopefully be the catalyst for many more diverse and meritorious appointments, and for a larger change in the makeup of our legal profession to reflect and represent the citizens we serve. 

To read Media Release of Hon. Mark Speakman, Attorney General of NSW, 8 Sept., 2021