Join us for expert insights and engaging discussion on some of today’s most pressing human rights law issues.

The Conference is designed for:

Legal practitioners
Policy professionals
Academics in human rights
Law students

What you’ll gain:

CPD-eligible learning
Insights into current legal developments
Perspectives from leading practitioners and scholars
Networking with peers across law and policy

This is Australia’s leading annual human rights law conference, offering a full day of expert panels, a keynote address, and professional networking.

Includes:

Full-day program
Catering (in-person)
Certificate of attendance

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

The program this year will explore the 20th anniversary of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, together with Australian judges’ experiences on international courts, and the public law implications of Treaty in Victoria.

Subscribe to our mailing list to be among the first to receive the finalised Conference program.

Keynote address

Schedule at a glance

Arrival Tea and Coffee

Registration

Opening and Welcome

Keynote Address

Sue-Anne Hunter
National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People

Morning Tea

20th Anniversary of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Dr Farinaz Zamani
Manager, Human Rights Education, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Dan Nicholson
Victorian Ombudsman’s Office

Caitlin Reiger
Human Rights Law Centre

Associate Professor Julie Debeljak (Chair)
Monash University

Lunch

The Experience of Australian Judges on International Courts

The Hon. Lex Lasry AM KC
Acting Justice, Supreme Court of the Northern Territory

Kevin Yam
Former Hong Kong Lawyer

Associate Professor Rebecca Ananian-Welsh
University of Queensland

Sara Kowal (Chair)
Director of Eleos Justice, Monash University

Afternoon Tea

Emerging Treaty Law in Victoria

Ngarra Murray
Former Co-Chair, First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

The Hon. Kenneth Hayne AC KC

Bridgid Cowling
Special Counsel Gellung Warl

Karri Walker
Principal Lawyer - Treaty, Gellung Warl

Professor Melissa Castan (Chair)
Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor
Monash University

Conference Closing

TICKETS

Attend in person

Conference registration includes all sessions across the one-day event, along with complimentary catering throughout the day. Please follow the registration form to advise us of any accessibility or dietary requirements. Early registration is recommended to secure your place at the conference.

Registration
$260

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Registration
$130 (50% discount)

Academic Registration
$130 (50% discount)

Student Registration
$65 (75% discount)

Attend online

Watch the conference live, from anywhere in the world. All registered online attendees will receive detailed viewing instructions via email one day before the conference to ensure a smooth connection.

Online Viewing Registration
$50 (80% discount)

GROUP BOOKINGS

To discuss your needs and arrange a customised package or professional development viewing option that suits your organisation or workplace, don't hesitate to write to us at castan.centre@monash.edu.

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 will be able to request a digital Certificate of Attendance during their registration.

Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, presenting the Keynote Address at the 2025 Conference.

CONFERENCE VENUE

Monash College, 750 Collins Street, Melbourne

CONTACT US

If you have any queries about the Conference or would like to become a Sponsor, please email castan.centre@monash.edu.

Catch up with us on social