On 15 October, the UNSW Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law hosted an evening celebrating 25 years of the Centre. Current and former colleagues, PhD students, supporters and friends gathered to recognise the Centre’s contribution to public debate and Australia’s democracy, and to discuss its current and future priorities.
The Honourable Robert French AC, former Chief Justice of Australia, addressed the gathering. He reflected on the importance of the Centre’s research, education and contribution to the Australian community, saying that work is more important than ever.
Among those attendees were the Centre’s founding Director, Professor George Williams AO; former directors Associate Professor Sean Brennan, Professor Andrew Lynch and Scientia Professor Rosalind Dixon; and current Director Professor Janina Boughey.
Established in 2001, the Centre has become a leading source of public law expertise and a trusted contributor to debate about legal issues at the heart of Australia’s democracy. The Centre would not exist without the generous, ongoing support of Gilbert + Tobin and Danny Gilbert AM, whose vision and steadfast support have been central to its longevity and success.
The issues at the centre of its work have evolved. The anniversary offered a chance to reflect on the Centre’s work, the continuing need for it, and to thank the many people who have helped shape it. For 25 years, the Centre has brought governments, the legal profession and the wider public together to consider how law, research and public institutions can help protect fairness, equality, transparency and accountability in Australia’s system of government.
As the Centre looks ahead, its founding purpose remains vital: to contribute informed research and public conversation to the issues that shape Australia’s democracy.