Justice of the High Court of Australia (1996-2009)
Awarded the Gruber Justice Prize in 2010, Michael retired from the High Court of Australia in 2009 as Australia’s longest serving judge and has been a longstanding and vocal supporter of asylum seeker rights.
“I honour the clients who teach the lawyers, civil society organisations and citizens the critical lessons concerning the importance of living in a rule of law society which upholds the dignity and rights of everyone.
I honour the staff and volunteers who have played such a crucial part in the work of the centre. I honour the supporters who have helped to make it possible.
Those engaged in the centre must not only seek to provide assistance to asylum seekers. They must also become advocates for a better and more just legal regime in Australia. After all, they can draw upon their uniquely intense experiences.
And about them, they should never be silent. They should speak up and seek to persuade their fellow citizens, including politicians, to adopt a more human rights respecting approach in the law and policy of this land.”