Mr Julian Burnside QC, the award of Doctor of Social Science honoris causa.
Julian Burnside QC is an inspiration to many. This award specifically recognises the legal, advocacy and community work that Julian undertakes on behalf of some of the most vulnerable people in the world – asylum seekers and refugees. Like an increasing number of Australians, Julian Burnside is concerned about the injustices perpetrated in Australia against asylum seekers and refugees, particularly the betrayal of legal processes and breaches of international agreements.
Julian Burnside gives his time generously to this cause. Not only does he provide pro bono legal assistance in supporting asylum claims and challenging Government decisions, but he willingly gives his time to community groups in the provision of information and as a guest speaker at many events. He has encouraged many in the legal profession to donate their time to supporting asylum seekers in the legal process. Together with his wife Kate Durham he is a strong advocate for the neglected group of asylum seekers detained in Nauru. Julian and Kate established Spare Rooms for refugees, an initiative designed to foster practical support for asylum seekers.
Julian joined the Bar in 1976 and took silk in 1989. He has acted in many high profile cases including for OK Tedi natives against BHP, for Alan Bond in fraud trials, for Rose Porteous in actions against Gina Rinehart and for the Maritime Union of Australia in the 1998 waterfront dispute against Patrick Stevedores. He was the Senior Counsel assisting the Australian Broadcasting Commission in the ‘Cash for Comment’ inquiry.
Julian appeared pro bono as counsel for Liberty Victoria to act for the people on board the Tampa in the Federal Court in legal actions seeking to compel the Government to uphold the civil and human rights of those asylum seekers on board. He is also acting pro bono to represent asylum seekers who escaped from the Woomera Immigration Detention Centre in a test case that challenges the legality of mandatory detention of asylum seekers in Australia.
Despite his heavy legal workload, particularly pro bono work, Julian maintains balance in his life. He is well-known for his contribution to the arts. This includes being Deputy Chair of Musica Viva Australia and a council member of the Victoria College of the Arts. He is the Chair of the popular venue – FortyFive Downstairs. He is author of Matilda and the Dragon, a children’s book. His house is open to many people including musicians, philanthropists, pro bono lawyers and asylum seekers.
Julian Burnside is indeed a worthy recipient of this award. We are indeed proud to have a person of his intelligence, compassion and commitment as a member of the University community.