When Australian Governments Pray: Religious Privilege and the Fair Go
Join Monash Law for the next instalment of the Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series with Professor Luke Beck.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series: When Australian Governments Pray: Religious Privilege and the Fair Go
Australia prides itself on the ideal of a fair go. But what happens when governments choose a favourite religion and give it special treatment?
From public schools where atheists, Jews and Hindus are not eligible for some jobs, to local councils expecting all councillors regardless of belief to participate in Christian prayers, to taxpayer funds being used to purchase new pews for a church, religious privilege is woven into contemporary Australian public life in ways that often go unnoticed, that are sometimes unlawful and that are certainly not consistent with the fair go.
This lecture asks a provocative question: can Australia really give everyone a fair go while one favoured religion enjoys a privileged place in government and public institutions? Drawing on real stories, it challenges common assumptions about Australia as a secular country and asks what genuine freedom of religion or belief might look like.
Professor Luke Beck
Professor Luke Beck is a Professor of Constitutional Law at Monash University. He has held senior leadership roles within the Faculty of Law, including Associate Dean (Education) and Acting Dean.
His research focuses on religious freedom and the separation of religion and government under the Australian Constitution. He has published widely across constitutional and public law and is one of the most published authors in leading Australian law journals.
His books include:
- Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases (Cambridge University Press, 2020 and 2024 editions)
- Religious Freedom and the Australian Constitution: Origins and Future (Routledge, 2018)
His work has influenced legal practice and public policy. It has been cited in judgments of the High Court of Australia and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. His research has also informed parliamentary inquiries and law reform processes in Australia and overseas.
Professor Beck regularly provides expert advice to parliamentary inquiries and contributes to media commentary on constitutional issues.
About The Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series
The Monash Law Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series is a forum to showcase and celebrate the academic excellence, research, and societal impact of our faculty’s esteemed professors.
Featuring leaders in their fields, each lecture offers an opportunity to hear firsthand from those shaping the future of law as they share their academic journeys, valuable insights, and the passion driving their research.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
⏰ Time: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm AEST (registration from 5.30 pm)
📍 Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
After the lecture, join Professor Luke Beck in the Monash University Law Chambers foyer for complimentary drinks, snacks, the opportunity to discuss his research and network with alumni and industry.
RSVP: by COB Friday, 6 November
Why attend
- Hear from a leading scholar in Australian constitutional law
- Understand how academic research shapes court decisions and law reform
- Connect with legal professionals, students, and members of the judiciary
- Be part of a public forum that highlights current legal issues and academic work
Who should attend
- Law students and graduates
- Legal practitioners and policy professionals
- Members of the judiciary and regulators
- Academics and researchers
- Alumni of Monash Law
- Members of the public with an interest in law and public life
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register?
Yes. All attendees must register in advance.
Is the event free?
Yes. There is no cost to attend.
Can I invite colleagues or guests?
Yes, but each attendee must register.
Will there be a recording available?
Yes, a recording will be shared on the Monash Law website news page after the event.
Event Details
- Date:
- 12 November 2026 at 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
- Venue:
- 555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Campus:
- Monash University Law Chambers
Description
Join Monash Law for the next instalment of the Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series with Professor Luke Beck.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series: When Australian Governments Pray: Religious Privilege and the Fair Go
Australia prides itself on the ideal of a fair go. But what happens when governments choose a favourite religion and give it special treatment?
From public schools where atheists, Jews and Hindus are not eligible for some jobs, to local councils expecting all councillors regardless of belief to participate in Christian prayers, to taxpayer funds being used to purchase new pews for a church, religious privilege is woven into contemporary Australian public life in ways that often go unnoticed, that are sometimes unlawful and that are certainly not consistent with the fair go.
This lecture asks a provocative question: can Australia really give everyone a fair go while one favoured religion enjoys a privileged place in government and public institutions? Drawing on real stories, it challenges common assumptions about Australia as a secular country and asks what genuine freedom of religion or belief might look like.
Professor Luke Beck
Professor Luke Beck is a Professor of Constitutional Law at Monash University. He has held senior leadership roles within the Faculty of Law, including Associate Dean (Education) and Acting Dean.
His research focuses on religious freedom and the separation of religion and government under the Australian Constitution. He has published widely across constitutional and public law and is one of the most published authors in leading Australian law journals.
His books include:
- Australian Constitutional Law: Concepts and Cases (Cambridge University Press, 2020 and 2024 editions)
- Religious Freedom and the Australian Constitution: Origins and Future (Routledge, 2018)
His work has influenced legal practice and public policy. It has been cited in judgments of the High Court of Australia and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. His research has also informed parliamentary inquiries and law reform processes in Australia and overseas.
Professor Beck regularly provides expert advice to parliamentary inquiries and contributes to media commentary on constitutional issues.
About The Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series
The Monash Law Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series is a forum to showcase and celebrate the academic excellence, research, and societal impact of our faculty’s esteemed professors.
Featuring leaders in their fields, each lecture offers an opportunity to hear firsthand from those shaping the future of law as they share their academic journeys, valuable insights, and the passion driving their research.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
⏰ Time: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm AEST (registration from 5.30 pm)
📍 Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
After the lecture, join Professor Luke Beck in the Monash University Law Chambers foyer for complimentary drinks, snacks, the opportunity to discuss his research and network with alumni and industry.
RSVP: by COB Friday, 6 November
Why attend
- Hear from a leading scholar in Australian constitutional law
- Understand how academic research shapes court decisions and law reform
- Connect with legal professionals, students, and members of the judiciary
- Be part of a public forum that highlights current legal issues and academic work
Who should attend
- Law students and graduates
- Legal practitioners and policy professionals
- Members of the judiciary and regulators
- Academics and researchers
- Alumni of Monash Law
- Members of the public with an interest in law and public life
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register?
Yes. All attendees must register in advance.
Is the event free?
Yes. There is no cost to attend.
Can I invite colleagues or guests?
Yes, but each attendee must register.
Will there be a recording available?
Yes, a recording will be shared on the Monash Law website news page after the event.