Who will be Australia's 2025 human rights law hero?
10 July 2025
Australia’s peak human rights body is calling for nominations from the legal profession for the 2025 Australian Human Rights Law Award.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging people to nominate human rights defenders and advocates who strive to improve the lives of people across the country.
‘The awards showcase people and organisations who work day in and day out to improve the lives of others, in healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and beyond,’ President Hugh de Kretser said.
’There are thousands of people and organisations across Australia who are doing great things to make our society fairer, more inclusive and respectful. These awards help to recognise their important work.’
The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) received the last Law Award for providing legal expertise, advocating for systemic change and empowering community.
ALSWA was successful in litigation on the conditions of young people in the notorious Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison.
Previous recipients include Scientia Professor Jane McAdam, Kate Eastman and Julian Burnside.
In addition to the Law Award, champions of social justice are also recognised across 4 other categories:
- Human Rights Medal
- Media & Creative Industries Award
- Community Award
- Young People’s Award (25 years and under)
Nominations are free and can be anonymous. The Commission will announce the finalists on Monday 8 October.
The finalists will be celebrated and award recipients announced at a gala ceremony and reception in Sydney on Friday 12 December. The awards night also marks International Human Rights Day.
Nominators whose nominees are chosen as finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony.
The Commission has run the Australian Human Rights Awards annually since 1987.
Find out more about the awards, previous finalists and how to nominate at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards
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