Patrons and Ambassadors

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Julian Burnside AO QC

Named 'Australian Living National Treasure'

An Officer of the Order of Australia for his service as a human rights advocate, Julian is known for his staunch opposition to mandatory detention. After completing a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws at Monash University, Mr Burnside joined the Bar in 1976 and took silk in 1989. While specialising in commercial litigation, Mr Burnside has acted pro bono in many human rights cases, in particular concerning the treatment of refugees.

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Malcolm Fraser AC CH

22nd Prime Minister of Australia

Mr Fraser passed away on the 20th March 2015, but we continue to honour his strong friendship with ASRC and his unwavering commitment to a humane, compassionate approach to asylum seekers and refugees.

Mr Fraser pioneered Australians for Just Refugee Programs (now A Just Australia), founded The Justice Project in 2004, and has been tireless in his advocacy for human rights in Australian society.

"Refugees have made a remarkable contribution to our country. Australia is a proudly multicultural nation, made stronger by the dedication & contribution of people who come here, whether as refugees or migrants"

Arnold Zable

Writer, Storyteller, Educator, and Human Rights Advocate

Arnold Zable holds a doctorate from the School of Creative Arts, Melbourne University. His books include Jewels and Ashes, The Fig Tree and three novels, Café Scheherazade, Scraps of Heaven, and Sea of Many Returns. He is the author of numerous stories, columns, essays and features, and is co-writer of the play Kan Yama Kan, in which asylum seekers tell their stories. He was an artist consultant to the recent Asylum Seeker Resource Centre production Not Just My Story.

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