The importance of opposing the death penalty, and its continuing relevance in Australia, a country that abolished this cruel practice many years ago.
The Great Dissenter has no regrets

The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG reflects on his career and hopes for the future of the legal profession on the The Proctor by the Queenland Law Society.
Top lawyers question law that stops Operation Ironside High Court challenge
Defence lawyers and the Law Council of Australia argue that the High Court must examine whether the AN0M app, used in Operation Ironside, set a dangerous precedent.
2024 Law Council of Australia Gala Dinner
The 2024 Law Council of Australia Gala Dinner celebrated the year’s achievements and legal advocacy, with speeches from key figures including President Greg McIntyre SC, Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC MP. Highlights included the announcement of an $800 million funding boost for legal assistance, the presentation of the President’s Award to solicitor Peter O’Brien, and the awarding of the John Koowarta Scholarship to law student Christine Conn.
Dedicated defender of the disadvantaged honoured
Peter O’Brien, a solicitor known for his unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for disadvantaged communities, was honoured with the 2024 Law Council of Australia President’s Award for his decades-long contributions to legal aid, high-profile human rights cases, and the mentoring of future legal professionals.
London Opening of the Legal Year 2024
Law Council President Greg McIntyre SC joined international counterparts and bar leaders from over 60 law societies and bar associations around the world to attend the Opening of the Legal Year in London.
Safer Children, Safer Communities Roundtable
The Law Council held a roundtable that brought together a number of senior policy makers and select civil society representatives to discuss the recommendations of the National Children’s Commissioner’s report ‘Help Way Earlier!’
Freedom of expression crucial to democracy
The Law Council of Australia emphasizes that freedom of expression is vital to democracy but recognizes the need for carefully framed criminal laws to prevent hate speech, radicalization, and violence.
Opinion: How a Human Rights Act would prevent minority communities from being marginalised in Australian laws
An opinion piece by the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG explaining how a Human Rights Act would prevent minority communities from being marginalised in Australian laws
Michael Kirby and Jennifer Robinson to deliver joint keynote address at landmark human rights forum
Two of Australia’s most famous legal eagles are set to team up to prosecute the case for an Australian Human Rights Act at an historic two-day forum in June during the Vivid Sydney festival.