June 2007

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

I hope the 2008 NELA National Conference is in your calendars!

Good progress continues to be made in relation to the Conference in Perth. The theme of the Conference is the Law of Climate Change. While there continues to be a plethora of climate change related conferences out there (it's hard to keep up!), the aim of the 2008 NELA Conference Committee is to put together a conference program that is challenging and thought provoking and focuses on the law and not necessarily the policy of climate change (although necessarily there will be a bit of policy!!). After all, NELA's vision is to be a leader in the development and promotion of environmental law and by March next year, we will be starting to see some of the legal ramifications of Federal and State and Territory – based climate change policies.

The response to the Committee's call for papers has been absolutely fantastic. The Committee is currently processing the many proposals that have been received and will be in contact with those of you who have made a submission shortly. However, if you do have an idea for the Conference – it might be a topic, or a particular speaker you'd like to hear, please let the Secretariat know. The Committee is always pleased to receive ideas, and will consider them whenever they are submitted.Our website continues to be refined and upgraded.

The new website represents a big step forward for NELA so please be patient while we iron out bugs (and outdated information).

NELA membership renewals are included with this Bulletin. I encourage you to pay your renewals promptly to minimise the chance of a follow up email or call later in the year! NELA continues to be a dynamic organisation around Australia and there is a lot of opportunity for NELA to really make a difference at a local and a national level. If you would like to become more involved in NELA at the local level, or you have a seminar or other idea for the local Committee please contact your Committee representative, or the Secretariat. All local Committee members generously volunteer their time to run seminar programs for you and are always on the lookout for fresh ideas!

As always, if you have any thoughts about NELA please do not hesitate to contact me.

Robyn Glindemann

President