Mr matthew lee

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2010 Fulbright Postgraduate Alumni (WG Walker) Scholarship

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“Australia’s water crisis is now at a critical point where our environment and population are at serious risk as our river systems run dry. As a young, reflective and enthusiastic South Australian, I intend to search abroad for effective and sustainable solutions to what is one of my generation’s most significant environmental, legal and policy issues.”

Matthew, a solicitor with the South Australian Crown Solicitor’s Office and a tutor at the University of Adelaide Law School, is one of two winners of the Fulbright Postgraduate Alumni (WG Walker) Scholarship, which is funded through donations by Fulbright Alumni and awarded to the highest ranked Scholar. He is one of 25 Fulbright Australian Scholars in 2010.

Through his Fulbright, Matthew will spend a year at Harvard Law School investigating American approaches to water law (and natural resources regulation more generally). He will achieve this by studying a number of courses on water rights and water dispute resolution, advanced property law, natural resources law and governance, environmental economics, climate change law, comparative constitutional law and international law and policy.

“My professional experiences at the South Australian Crown Solicitor’s Office and working with the Solicitor-General on High Court water litigation have made me aware of the urgent need for Australia to consider alternative approaches to natural water regulation and dispute resolution. Importantly, the expertise and world-class resources offered by the Harvard Water Security Initiative, the Harvard Environmental Law Program and the Kennedy School of Government mean that Harvard is an ideal location for this kind of research,” Matthew said.

The aim of his project is to consider both how Australian disputes over water rights might be more effectively addressed and resolved, and what inter-jurisdictional links can be established between research facilities and organisations in the many countries that are currently facing different kinds of natural water disputes. Whilst Matthew intends to apply his research to immediately develop more options for the South Australian government and teach at the University of Adelaide Law School, he emphasised the importance of finding sustainable solutions for all Australians. Matthew added:

“South Australia is clearly in a dire situation, but we are not the only community suffering from the devastating consequences of water shortages, drought and climate change. Water crises are evident at domestic and international levels and can be resolved through strong leadership and new ideas. Sustainable solutions to water disputes can be achieved by fostering a better interdisciplinary global dialogue and sharing of ideas between governments, organizations and research institutions.”

Matthew has Honours Bachelors Degrees in Arts and Law that were both awarded with first class honours from the University of Adelaide. In addition to his qualifications, Matthew has also been the recipient of a number of academic, sporting and volunteer awards. Away from work and university, he plays State hockey, coaches mooting, debating and hockey teams and engages in community service at both DisabilitySA (previously Julia Farr) and the Adelaide Legal Outreach Service.

A high resolution version of the photo above is available by clicking here.