Former Tasmanian attorney-general Dr Vanessa Goodwin honoured with newscholarship

The State Government will chip in $60,000 for a new scholarship targeted at undergraduates with an interest in law reform.

Maggie Saunders (left) and Elizabeth Saunders, cousins of former attorney-general Vanessa Goodwin are pleased about the announcement of an undergraduate scholarship being named in her honour. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE State Government will chip in $60,000 for a new scholarship targeted at undergraduates with an interest in law reform.

The University of Tasmania Dr Vanessa Goodwin Law Reform Scholarship has been named in honour of the former attorney-general, a close friend and former classmate of Premier Will Hodgman and current Attorney-General Elise Archer, who died a year ago aged 48 after a battle with brain cancer.

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“Vanessa was highly respected by all sides of politics and recognised for her dedication to Tasmania’s legal system, particularly prisoner rehabilitation,” Mr Hodgman said.

Premier Will Hodgman speaks to the media this morning one year after his government was returned to power. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Ms Archer said the $5000 scholarship would be for an undergraduate interested in law reform, criminology or similar research areas, and would involve a six-week internship with the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute.

“Law reform was very near to Vanessa’s heart,” she said.

“This scholarship is a fitting tribute to her legacy, as it will help foster and support the next generation of legal minds in Tasmania.”

Cousin Maggie Saunders said it was definitely something Dr Goodwin would have been proud of.

“It’s great to come together with the UTAS and the State Government and really continue the work Vanessa was so passionate about,” she said.

“I have been an undergraduate and I know how valuable research skills can be practising.”

Associate Professor and director of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute Terese Henning said it would open up opportunities for young people to have practical experience working in law reform while completing their studies.

“It gives them an opportunity to meet with people who influence the law and policy, such as the attorney-general and the premier,” she said.

She said they were still establishing the scholarship, but it was likely to only be one place each year.

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