Reflections on the 2024 Pacifica Congress Conference – Featuring David Edney

“At the 2024 Pacifica Congress Conference held in Cairns, I had the privilege of attending a powerful session titled “Cultural Competency in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice within Family Law”, presented by psychologist Gayle Roe of GR Psychological Solutions.”

The session was chaired by David Edney of CE Family Law, whose thoughtful leadership and deep engagement with the topic set a respectful and insightful tone for the discussion. David’s presence as Chair brought a grounded legal perspective to the session, highlighting the importance of cultural competence in family law practice—particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

David’s introduction framed cultural competence not just as a professional skill, but as a commitment to community empowerment through culturally responsive, primary, and preventative care models. His ability to bridge legal and psychological perspectives enriched the session, encouraging attendees to reflect on how cultural understanding can shape more equitable and effective outcomes in family law.

The collaboration between David and Gayle underscored the value of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing complex social and legal issues. It was a session that left a lasting impression—thanks in no small part to David’s thoughtful stewardship.

David Edney is a solicitor in practice with a specialist family law firm.

His work involves the representation of children and therefore being a member of Pacifica Congress means that he has access to the most up-to-date research on children and families involved in separation.

It gives him opportunities to speak with experts from Australia and overseas in the areas of psychology, psychiatry, the courts, lawyers,  social work and academia.