Speaking out at risk: Whistleblowers and the law

UNSW Sydney

• Journalist Lenore Taylor to host public forum at UNSW Sydney Tuesday 16 June
• Experts will examine the critical role of whistleblowers, what it means for democracy and the risks faced by those who speak out 

From WikiLeaks and government secrecy to prison system misconduct, some of Australia’s leading voices on whistleblower protections will come together at UNSW Sydney for a major public discussion next month.

Hosted by former Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor, Whistleblowers: In defence of truth will examine the battle over secrecy, surveillance and the risks faced by those who expose wrongdoing.

Presented by UNSW Centre for Ideas, the event features Human Rights Law Centre Associate Legal Director Kieran Pender and human rights advocate Gabriel Shipton - founder of The Information Rights Project and brother of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange - alongside testimony from a whistleblower involved in exposing misconduct within the prison system.

As international debate intensifies around whistleblower protections, public-interest journalism and government accountability, this critical discussion will explore who pays the price for speaking out - and what is at stake for democracy.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Tuesday 16 June 2026, 6.30pm – 7.45pm

Where: Tyree Room, John Niland Scientia Building, G19 Library Rd, UNSW Kensington 2033

For media passes please contact:

Todd Eichorn, 0431 251 335 [email protected]

Ashleigh Steele, 0421 308 805 [email protected]