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Meet the EDO
History
The Northern Territory Environmental Defenders Office is part of a national network of EDOs which help protect the environment through law in each State and Territory.
Australia 's first Environmental Defenders Office was established in New South Wales in 1986. In the early 1990s, EDOs were also established in Victoria and Queensland
In 1994 a group of concerned lawyers coordinated a proposal to the Commonwealth government to fund a national network of EDOs. The proposal was supported by lobbying by other groups. As a result, the then Government made a commitment to fund a national network of environmental lawyers to provide legal services in each State, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, to those wanting to protect the environment in the public interest.
As a result of this funding, EDOs started operating in NT, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and North Queensland in 1996 and 1997.
Like EDOs in other States, the EDO NT operates independently from government.
Staff
Principal Solicitor and Coordinator
Emily O'Connell.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an important part of EDO NT. We run a volunteer program at our office in Darwin. The program offers a range of legal research projects for law students or graduates who have an interest in environmental law, or an opportunity to assist in legal research for legal advices. We also have volunteers who work from different areas in Australia, and contact us by phone and email.
Thank you to our volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to the operation of the EDO office.
EDO Management Committee
The EDO is an incorporated association. Its affairs are overseen by a Management Committee which is elected annually by EDO members. The current Management Committee includes conservationists, community representatives and practising lawyers. Current office holders on the Management Committee are:
- Earl Johnson – Chairperson
- Greg MacDonald – Public Officer
- Steve Davis – Treasurer
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