Kirstie Smith

Kirstie Smith is a Lecturer (First Nations and Law) in the School of Law and Justice at the University of Southern Queensland, based at the Toowoomba Campus on Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair country. A Mununjali, Yugembeh woman with professional experience in criminal defense, prosecutions, and corrections, she actively contributes to Indigenous legal discourse and justice reform.

Education:

• BArtLLB from University of Southern Queensland

Research Focus: Her work critically examines human rights frameworks through Indigenous perspectives, youth justice system disparities, Australia's international legal obligations regarding Indigenous peoples, and criminal law intersections with First Nations communities. Her research prioritizes decolonizing legal education and advancing self-determination.

Professional Leadership: Kirstie holds executive roles including Vice President of Downs Southwest Queensland Law Association, committee membership on Queensland Law Society's First Nations Consulting Committee and Future Leaders Committee. She actively participates in:

• Women Lawyers Association Queensland
• Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Inc
• Indigenous Lawyers Association Queensland

Academic Contributions: As Employability Lead, she bridges legal education with professional practice through courses including Criminal Law and Procedure (LAW1121/5121), Sentencing and Murri Court (LAW6420), and Law and Justice Placement (LAW3491), emphasizing culturally responsive legal training.