Upcoming events and opportunities
Read our monthly round up of upcoming public law events and opportunities, including conferences, seminars and calls for papers
If you have an AUSPUBLAW opportunity, conference or significant public lecture that you would like included in this roundup, please contact us at auspublaw@unsw.edu.au. The roundup is published once a month by the first business day of the month, so please let us know in time for that deadline.
We would firstly like to draw your attention to the following opportunity:
8 September 2026
Current Issues Concerning the Implied Freedom of Political Communication
Australian Association of Constitutional Law
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 5.15-6.15pm (AEST)
Location: Court 1, Level 21, Federal Court of Australia, Queens Square, Sydney
The NSW Chapter of the AACL extends an invitation to its upcoming seminar, 'Current issues concerning the implied freedom of political communication'.
Chair: The Hon Justice Kate Richardson, Supreme Court of New South Wales
Speakers: David Hume SC, Sixth Floor Selborne Wentworth Chambers, Celia Winnett, Sixth Floor Selborne Wentworth Chambers and Michael Adams, 6 St James Hall.
The speakers will discuss recent cases as well as interesting thematic issues such as anonymous political discourse, the notion of pre-existing freedoms, and the relevance of counterfactuals to the implied freedom analysis.
A video link can be provided for interstate attendees (please contact the organisers, Celia Winnett and Shipra Chordia for details).
Competitions and calls for papers
15 September 2026
Asian Law Schools Association Public Law Conference 2027: Call for Abstracts
Asian Law Schools Association
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Jindal Global Law School and the Centre for Asian Legal Studies at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore are pleased to co-host the second Asian Law Schools Association (ALSA) Public Law Conference. The conference will be held on 26-27 February 2027 at the O.P. Jindal Global University campus in Sonipat, Haryana, India.
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Constitutionalism in Asia’. We invite research that critically engages with substantive and methodological challenges specific to the region. To foster collaboration and dialogue among scholars, we welcome both cross-jurisdictional comparative analyses and in-depth, jurisdiction-specific research. Substantively, papers may explore the diverse constitutional trajectories of Asian states across various political, economic, and cultural contexts. Methodologically, we encourage critical reflection on how Asian constitutional law is studied, researched, and taught, including efforts to challenge traditional approaches within the broader comparative field. By bridging substantive inquiry and methodological reflection, this theme aims to cultivate a richer, more comprehensive understanding of constitutional theory and practice across Asia.
For more information, and to submit an abstract, click here.
15 September 2026
Sir Anthony Mason Constitutional Law Essay Competition
The Law Society of New South Wales
Deadline: 15 September 2026
The Sir Anthony Mason Essay Competition is an annual event for undergraduate and Juris Doctor students. The competition winner will receive a $500 prize and have their essay published on LSJ Online. Shortlisted individuals will be invited to attend the awards ceremony hosted by NSW Young Lawyers later in the year.
Essays should answer one of the four questions below.
The prescribed word limit is 1,500 words, excluding non-discursive footnotes and bibliographies.
Essays will be judged on their merits, including:
Whether they contain a clear and sustained thesis;
The extent to which they demonstrate legal knowledge and research;
The strength of their critical analysis; and
The quality of their communication.
Question 1: Constitutional Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Government
To what extent does the increasing use of artificial intelligence in government decision-making challenge existing principles of Australian constitutional law?
Question 2: The Aliens Power
Discuss the implications of NZYQ v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs [2023] HCA 37 and the subsequent developments in Australian immigration detention law.
Question 3: Constitutional Responses to Contemporary Challenges
Discuss a constitutional issue that should be addressed by the Australian Government that is currently impacting Australians. Analyse the relevant heads of power and evaluate what steps the Government could take to address this issue.
Question 4: Constitutional Law in Transition
Discuss and evaluate the most significant constitutional development in Australia during 2025–2026.
For more information, click here.
1 October 2026
Human Rights Law Essay Prize
Human Rights Law Association
Deadline: 1 October 2026
The Human Rights Law Essay Prize is awarded annually to the applicant who produces the most original essay on human rights in Australia and/or New Zealand, having previously submitted the essay for assessment to an Australian or New Zealand university.
The recipient of the Human Rights Law Essay Prize will be selected by a judging panel appointed by the committee of the Human Rights Law Association. The winner will be announced close to Human Rights Week in December and will receive a prize of $1000.
To be eligible, the topic of the essay must be human rights in Australia or New Zealand and the essay must have previously been submitted for assessment to a university in Australia or New Zealand (whether undergraduate or graduate). Students from any discipline are encouraged to apply.
For more information, and to submit an entry, click here.
Conferences and seminars
2 September 2026
The 25th Anniversary of the Tampa Case: Reflections from the Bench and Bar Table
Melbourne University
Date: 2 September 2026
Time: 6.00-7.00pm (AEST)
Location: David P Derham Theatre, Law Building
On the 25th anniversary of this landmark case, you are invited to join us for a panel discussion to be chaired by Professor Michelle Foster, Dean of Melbourne Law School, about the legal significance of the case with three actors in the dispute: the Hon Tony North KC who was the Judge in the original hearing; The Hon Michael Black AC KC, who was the Chief Justice of the Federal Court and a member of the Appeal; and the Hon Chris Maxwell AC KC, who appeared as a Barrister for the Victorian Council of Civil Liberties in the proceedings.
For more information and to register, click here.
2 September 2026
The Tension Between Procedural Fairness and the Guiding Principle for Administrative Tribunals
Australian Institute of Administrative Law
Date: 2 September 2026
Time: 5.15pm (AEST)
Location: Online or Personal Injury Commission, 1 Oxford Street Darlinghurst
This seminar will explore the relationship between procedural fairness obligations and the guiding principles that underpin the work of administrative tribunals, examining contemporary challenges and practical implications for decision-makers. Acting Justice John Griffiths, New South Wales Court of Appeal, will be joined in conversation by Judge Gerard Phillips, President of the Personal Injury Commission, and Deputy President Anne Phillips, New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
For more information and to register, click here.
3 September 2026
Why Aren’t We Using AI to Advance Justice?
Western Sydney University
Date: 3 September 2026
Time: 12.30-2.00pm (AEST)
Location: Parramatta City Campus, WSU
Join the Western Sydney University School of Law for a public talk and panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence can help advance justice. Professor Philippa Webb KC, Director of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice at the University of Oxford, will discuss how AI can help close the global justice gap, the benefits and risks of AI in the courtroom, and the principles that can guide its responsible deployment.
The talk will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the challenges and solutions for building AI tools that are impactful, sustainable, and meaningful to the individuals who use them.
Speakers
Professor Philippa Webb KC, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Director, Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice
Professor Athula Ginige, School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University
Dr Jacinta Sassine, School of Law, Western Sydney University
Dr Armin Alimardani, School of Law, Western Sydney University
For more information and to register, click here.
9 September 2026
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Victorian Charter
Human Rights Law Association
Date: 9 September 2026
Time: 6.00-8.00pm (AEST)
Location: Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Level 41, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne
The Victorian Chapter of the International Law Association and the Human Rights Law Association are hosting a panel discussion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic), generously sponsored by Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Speakers
Ramona Thambiratnam, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Sarah Castles, Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office
Professor John Tobin, Melbourne University School of Law
Peter Reading, human rights lawyer
For more information and to register, click here.
11 September 2026
Annual Harry Evans Lecture
Australian Senate
Date: 11 September 2026
Time: 12.15-1.15pm (AEST)
Location: Theatre, Australian Parliament House, Canberra
In this year’s Harry Evans lecture, author and journalist George Megalogenis will argue that Australia’s democracy is facing its greatest upheaval since the Depression of the 1930s, and that the old two-party system died in 2022 with the defeat of the Morrison Coalition government and the election of the Albanese Labor government on a historically low primary vote. The big story of that seismic campaign, and the follow-up in 2025, was the rise in the cities of the so-called Teal independents. But what does the current threat from One Nation to Labor incumbency and the Coalition in opposition mean for scrutiny and accountability? George Megalogenis will explain the origins of these shocks and ask what happens next.
To register, click here.
16 September 2026
The Charter at 20: Promise, Practice and Prospect
Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies
Date: 16 September 2026
Time: 6.00-7.30pm (AEST)
Location: Lecture Theatre G08, Melbourne Law School
This seminar brings together eminent practitioners and leading academics to mark the 20th year of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act (2006). The speakers will consider achievements and limitations of the Charter, its future direction in light of continuing debates about the s 32 interpretive principle and the s 38 obligations on public authorities; and wider perspectives offered by comparative experience and the changing landscape of Australian public law.
Speakers:
Kylie Evans KC, Victorian Bar
Professor Jason Varuhas, Melbourne University Law School
Thomas Wood, Victorian Bar
Professor Adrienne Stone, Melbourne University Law School
For more information and to register, click here.
16 September 2026
Has AI and Big Tech Opted Out of Human Rights?
Australian Human Rights Institute
Date: 16 September 2026
Time: 6.00-7.30pm (AEST)
Location: Meers Hall, Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Australian Human Rights Institute’s Provocation Series returns in 2026 with a debate about the future of human rights in the age of AI.
The advance of AI systems presents growing challenges at the intersection of law, politics and rights. This discussion will explore how we can protect ourselves from technology that can easily manipulate public discourse, increase digital surveillance, impact our environment and reinforce inequalities and discrimination.
It will also seek to address whether we are underutilising AI tools that could improve access to justice and provide insights to understand and advocate for human rights and democracy.
To register, click here.
17 September 2026
17 September 2026
Pseudo-law, GenAI and the New Wild West for Administrative Law
Australian Institute of Administrative Law
Date: 17 September 2026
Time: 1.00pm (ACST)
Location: Online
Dr Joe McIntyre specialises in judicial theory and legal institutions. His work spans a range of disciplinary boundaries, including constitutional and administrative law, legal theory, civil justice and socio-legal studies. His recent work has covered diverse topics such as judicial independence, judicial discipline/complaints and justice technology, and most relevantly on pseudo-law and the impacts of legal illiteracy on the administration of justice. He is co-editor of ‘Sovereign Citizens and Pseudolaw’ published in February 2025, and co-director of the International Pseudolaw Research Network. He regularly trains judges and practitioners on the challenges created by pseudo-law litigants.
Chaired by Dr Anna Olijnyk, Adelaide University
To register, click here.
23 September 2026
The Right to Housing
Human Rights Law Association
Date: 23 September 2026
Time: 5.15-6.30pm (AEST)
Location: Online or in-person at Anjelina Akuac Training Room, Queensland Human Rights Commission, Level 4, 400 George Street, Brisbane QLD
In recent years Australian courts and parliaments have increasingly recognised a person’s ‘right’ to housing and home, particularly when it is subject to interference by governments. The ACT and Queensland Supreme Courts have found the right to privacy, family or home, protected in the human rights acts in both jurisdictions, protects individuals from arbitrary interference with their home, whether that be public housing or a campsite for rough sleepers. The ACT has legislated a right to housing that will commence in 2027. Join us as experts discuss these developments in detail, and contemplate the significance of a future legislated right to housing.
Chair: Jane Vasey, Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Human Rights Commission
Speakers:
The Hon Kevin Bell AO KC, Former Judge of the Victorian Supreme Court
Dr Penelope Mathew, President and Human Rights Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commissioner
Lachlan Grant, Barrister, Higgins Chambers
For more information, and to register, click here.
29 September 2026
Check your Privilege! Proceedings in Parliament and the Courts
The Law Society of South Australia
Date: 29 September 2026
Time: 5.30-7.30pm (ACST)
Location: Level 10, Terrace Towers, 178 North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000
Justice Stephen McDonald, Federal Court of Australia, will discuss the law relating to Parliamentary Privilege and its intersection with the work of the courts, considering recent cases and developments in the law relating to Article 9 of the Bill of Rights, and the production and use of documents and evidence relating to proceedings in Parliament.
For more information, and to register, click here.
30 September 2026
The Racial Discrimination Act at 50
Australian National University
Date: 30 September 2026
Time: 5.00-7.00pm (AEST)
Location: Phillipa Weeks Staff Library, ANU Law School
Join the contributors of The Racial Discrimination Act at 50 for this special session of ANU Law Reform & Social Justice and Law & Social Movements (convened by Dr Jessica Hambly). Authors will offer short reflections on their essays, highlighting key themes, contemporary implications, and the ongoing role of the Racial Discrimination Act in shaping social justice and public debate in Australia.
Following these brief comments, engage directly with the authors in an open Q&A. This discussion is designed to deepen understanding of social movements, legal reform, and the lived experience of anti‑racism advocacy — providing valuable insight for current coursework and broader learning.
Speakers:
Professor Dominique Allen, Monash University
Associate Professor Cristy Clark, Monash University
Professor Beth Goldblatt, University of Technology Sydney
Professor Dorota Gozdecka, University of Helsinki
Dr Francis Markham, Australian National University
Emeritus Professor Simon Rice, University of Sydney
Dr Will Sanders, Australian National University
Dr Bill Swannie, Australian Catholic University
Dr Alice Taylor, Bond University
Emerita Professor Margaret Thornton, Australian National University
Distinguished Professor Asmi Wood, Australian National University
For more information and to register, click here.
7 October 2026
Lucinda Lecture: The Law Governing Election and Party Finances
Monash University
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 6.00-7.10pm (AEST)
Location: Online
How is money shaping Australian elections today, and where are the legal limits?
Join Monash Law for a focused lecture on donation caps, spending limits, and new reforms that are changing how political finance works across the country.
The 2026 Lucinda Lecture will be presented by Graeme Orr, an Emeritus Professor of law at the University of Queensland, with expertise in the law governing democracy.
This session will examine current laws, recent changes, and what they mean for democracy. It is timely, practical, and led by a recognised expert in electoral law.
Registrations open soon. For more information, click here.
7 October 2026
Trump v ICC
Centre for International and Public Law
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 5.30-7.00pm (AEST)
Location: Phillipa Weeks Staff Library, ANU Law School
The United States has historically been ambivalent about the International Criminal Court. It has never become a state party, and while during the Biden Administration its position towards the court became more supportive, under the Trump Administration its position has hardened. During 2026 US sanctions have been placed on ICC staff including judges, and the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has indicated the United States will “dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary”.
Hosted by the Centre for International and Public Law, this seminar addresses these issues with an historical perspective on the negotiation of the Rome Statue and the US role in that process, and the current US legal and political campaign against the ICC and its implications for Australia.
Speakers:
Honorary Professor Richard Rowe, Australian National University School of Law
Professor Douglas Guilfoyle, University of New South Wales Canberra
Associate Professor Cecilia Jacob, Australian National University
Professor Donald R Rothwell, Australian National University School of Law
For more information and to register, click here.
21 October 2026
Oversight of Integrity Agencies
Australian Academy of Law
Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 5.00-6.15pm (AEDT)
Location: Online and in-person at Court 1, Level 8, Federal Court of Australia, 305 William Street, Melbourne, VIC
Integrity agencies monitor, review and report upon the work of other parts of government. They are independent and conduct wide-ranging investigations into corruption and maladministration. However, they are not immune from error or free of the government problems they investigate. There is a need for oversight of integrity agencies, for “oversight of oversight”. However, the purpose and operation of an investigative agency may be frustrated if oversight is too intrusive. In Australia, models for the oversight of integrity agencies include the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and Victoria’s Chief Integrity Inspector. Can lessons be drawn from recent examples of the oversight of oversight about models that provide the appropriate balance?
Chair: The Hon Pamela Tate AM KC
Speakers:
Professor Matthew Groves, Deakin University
Dr Catherine Williams, Centre for Public Integrity
Eamonn Moran PSM KC
For more information, and to register, click here.
23 October 2026
Getting to Yes - Can the Commonwealth Learn Anything from State Referendum Success?
Australian Senate Lecture Series
Date: Friday, 23 October 2026
Time: 12.15-1.15pm (AEST)
Location: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, ACT, and by live stream
This lecture looks at the history of state constitutional referendums and asks why they enjoy a much higher success rate than Commonwealth referendums. Since 1901, 75 per cent of state referendums have succeeded, compared to 18 per cent of Commonwealth referendums. The lecture begins by recounting the state referendum experience, looking at the sorts of issues that have appeared on the ballot and the different factors that shaped their outcomes. It then explores different reasons for the disparity in the state and Commonwealth records, including issue selection, consensus seeking and federalism. The Iecture closes by asking if the state referendum experience holds any lessons for the Commonwealth as it seeks to break its almost 50-year run of referendum failure.
Speaker:Associate Professor Paul Kildea, UNSW
For more information, and to register, click here.
27 October 2026
2026 Susan Campbell Oration
Monash University
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 6.00-8.00pm (AEDT)
Location: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Susan Campbell Oration is a series of public lectures hosted by Monash Law since 2014. It honours Susan Campbell AM, the first Professorial Fellow in legal practice at Monash University and a long‑standing leader of its Clinical Legal Education Program.
Each oration engages leading scholars to speak on the reach and impact of clinical programs and the role of experiential learning in legal education.
Registrations opening soon. For more information, click here.
12 November 2026
Inaugural Professorial Lecture: Professor Luke Beck
Monash University
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 6.00-8.00pm (AEDT)
Location: Monash University Law Chambers
Luke Beck is a Professor of Constitutional Law. He previously served as Associate Dean (Education) of the Faculty of Law for two terms, and has served as Acting Dean on occasion.
He is a leading scholar in the field of separation of religion and government and religious freedom under the Australian Constitution. He has also published on various other aspects of constitutional and public law.
Registrations opening soon. For more information, click here.
3-4 December 2026
The Law and Politics of Migration in Australia
Faculty of Law, Monash University
Date: 3-4 December 2026
Time: 10.00am-4.00pm (AEDT)
Location: Monash University Law Chambers Auditorium, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Law and Politics of Migration In Australia is a collaboration between Monash Law's new Borders, Sovereignty, and Justice Lab (led by Associate Professor Samantha Currie) and the School of Social Sciences Migration and Mobilities Research Hub.
Registrations opening soon. For more information, click here.
7-8 December 2026
11th Asian Constitutional Forum
Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, The University of Melbourne
Date: 7-8 December 2026
Location: Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Australia
We are pleased to announce that the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies at Melbourne Law School will host the 11th Asian Constitutional Forum on Monday 7 December and Tuesday 8 December 2026.
The overarching theme of the Forum is ‘Constitutionalism in Asia in a Changing World”. We are honoured to announce the following keynote speakers:
The Hon Justice Chung Kyesun, Constitutional Court of Korea
Associate Professor Rohit De, Department of History, Yale University
Assistant Professor Shamshad Pasarlay, Social Sciences Collegiate Division, University of Chicago
Professor Dinesha Samararatne, Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo
Registrations opening soon. Ticket pricing to be advised. For more information, click here.
12 February 2027
Federal Law Conference
Law Council of Australia
Date: 12 February 2026
Time: 9.00am-3.00pm (AEST)
Location: Hyatt Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 260
Formerly known as the Commonwealth Law Conference, this newly renamed event will continue to bring together leading practitioners and members of the judiciary for seminars exploring the federal legal landscape as it stands in 2027.
From the evolving class action procedures to fresh constitutional challenges, shifting migration policy, and the rapid rise of AI as both a tool and a regulatory target, these seminars will equip solicitors, barristers, in-house counsel and policymakers with a practical, up-to-date view of the areas reshaping federal practice.
Attendees can look forward to a full day of insightful presentations, expert panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
This year's theme is "The Federal Edit 2027" What's changing, what's challenged, and what's coming—across litigation, employment, migration, and technology.
Early bird registrations are now open and close 30 October 2026.
To register, click here.