The John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship commemorates John Koowarta, a member of the Winychanam community at Aurukun and a traditional owner of the Archer River region on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Mr Koowarta challenged the Queensland Government under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) after its decision to prevent the Aboriginal Land Fund from acquiring a crown lease on a pastoral property for the Winychanam people. The decision by the Bjelke-Peterson Government was based on cabinet policy at the time, which opposed ownership of large tracts of land by Aboriginal peoples. The Queensland Government challenged the validity of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) in the High Court and was defeated. The High Court’s decision was later pivotal in the recognition of native title in Mabo v Queensland (No.2).

Mr Koowarta was described by Robert Tickner, the former Commonwealth Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (1991-96), as “an Australian hero who was a courageous fighter against Governments which discriminate against people on the basis of race.” John Koowarta died in 1991 without fulfilling his dream of seeing his traditional lands returned.

The John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship Trust was established by the Law Council of Australia in 1994, with a $200,000 contribution from the Federal Government.

The Law Council continues to act as trustee and administrator, with the aim of building the scholarship and promoting the study and practice of the law by more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Law Council is proud of the outstanding success of the John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship, which has assisted several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in completing their legal studies, many of whom have gone on to make valuable contributions to their communities, the legal profession and Australia.

The John Koowarta Scholarship can help with your legal education. The Law Council is calling for applications for the 2025 Scholarship round.

The scholarship is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in an approved course of study that is a prerequisite to admission as a legal practitioner in any Australian jurisdiction at or through an Australian tertiary institution.

The winner the will receive a cash prize along with mentorship opportunities from legal professionals.

Please see below the John Koowarta 2025 Application Form, and the information pack.

Applications close 16 September 2024.