The Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference
The Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference
Friday 25 July 2025
The leading human rights conference in Australia, providing a vital health check on the state of human rights in Australia and overseas.
The highly anticipated Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference took place on Friday 25 July 2025 at the Conference Centre of the State Library Victoria. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for delegates to deepen their understanding of human rights law and connect with fellow lawyers, academics, advocates, and activists.
Attendees joined in person or online for a full day of insightful discussions and thought-provoking panels on critical issues in human rights law. The event was a tremendous success, fostering meaningful dialogue and reflection on the challenges and opportunities in advancing human rights.
25 Years
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. For a quarter of a century, the Castan Centre has been at the forefront of human rights research, education and policy. We were thrilled to mark this occasion with a dynamic lineup of thought leaders and an inspiring program that underscored our ongoing commitment to advancing human rights.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
SESSIONS AND RECORDINGS
The Conference brought together leading experts, practitioners, and advocates from around the world. Covering a wide array of critical topics, the presenters provided participants with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and deepen their understanding of human rights challenges and solutions. The event featured an inspiring Keynote Speaker for 2025, and attendees eagerly anticipated the full lineup of participants in the weeks leading up to the Conference.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PANEL 1: ACHIEVING STRONGER LEGAL HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN AUSTRALIA
In our first panel of the day, we were joined by Mr Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, and Professor Sarah Joseph, Professor of Human Rights Law at Griffith University, to discuss how strong legal protection of human rights can be achieved in Australia. Reflecting on the discussion, over a year after the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights recommended the introduction of a Federal Human Rights Act, the panel explored ways to move the conversation forward and translate it into concrete action by the Federal Government.
PANEL 2: CHALLENGES IN SECURING THE RIGHTS OF TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE
With trans and gender-diverse people facing increasing discrimination both in Australia and globally, the session brought together Professor Paula Gerber from the Faculty of Law, Monash University, Charlie Wilson, activist and law student, and Isabelle Langley, youth advocate, for a compelling exploration of the challenges in securing their rights. The discussion offered fresh insights into the ongoing struggles and the work needed to advance equality and protection for trans and gender-diverse communities.
PANEL 3: NEW CHALLENGES IN CLIMATE CHANGE LITIGATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
We were delighted to host our third panel, which explored emerging challenges in climate litigation and human rights. Bringing together interrelated perspectives, the discussion examined the role of lawyers and courts in advancing climate action, recent developments in climate change litigation, and the importance of community advocacy. The panel featured Professor Steven Vaughan, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Monash University, and Isabelle Reinecke, Executive Director and Founder of the Grata Fund, who shared valuable insights and sparked thoughtful discussion among attendees.
PANEL 4: UNDERSTANDING HUMAN RIGHTS LAW IN THE CORONIAL JURISDICTION
Our final panel explored human rights law within the coronial jurisdiction, drawing on recent coronial findings and their human rights implications. We were joined by His Honour Coroner Simon McGregor of the Coroners Court of Victoria, The Honourable Pamela Tate AM KC, Adjunct Professor at Monash Faculty of Law, and George Newhouse, Adjunct Professor of Law at UTS and Macquarie University and CEO of the National Justice Project. Together, they provided insightful reflections on the intersection of human rights and the coronial process.
WELCOME AND OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE
VENUE
Conversation Quarter and Theatrette
Conference Centre, Entry 3
State Library Victoria
179 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
TICKETS
Attend in person
Conference registration included all sessions across the one-day event, along with complimentary catering throughout the day.
- Registration $260
- Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Registration $130 (50% discount)
- Academic Registration $130 (50% discount)
- Student/Unwaged Registration $65 (75% discount)
Attend online
Attendees were able to watch the conference live from anywhere in the world.
- Online Viewing Registration $50 (80% discount)
Continuing Professional Development Obligations (CPD)
Conference attendance may be credited towards CPD requirements. See the Law Institute of Victoria's For Lawyers website for further information. Conference participants were able to request a Certificate of Attendance during their registration, which was issued via email after a short processing period following the conference.
CONTACT US
Stay up to date by connecting with us across our social networks:
Or join our mailing list to receive updates. If you have any queries about the Conference or would like to become a Sponsor, please email castan.centre@monash.edu.