Professor Andrea Durbach
Professor Andrea Durbach is a member of the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales, and Director of the Human Rights Law Centre.
About this winner
- Year: 2013
- Level: Winner
- Award category: Law award
About the 2013 nomination
Professor Andrea Durbach is a member of the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales, and Director of the Human Rights Law Centre. Prior to joining UNSW, she spent 13 years at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and was the director of PIAC for the majority of that time. At PIAC, Associate Professor Durbach established the Homeless Persons' Legal Service and led the establishment of the Public Interest Law Clearing House. At PIAC, Professor Durbach also led important work to promote justice for members of the Stolen Generations and initiated a number of significant human rights cases in relation to disability discrimination and sex discrimination. Before coming to Australia, Professor Durbach, represented 25 black defendants in the notorious Upington death penalty case in South Africa. Professor Durbach has had an extraordinary career underpinned by using the law to advance human rights. Through her public interest litigation, legislative interventions, submissions to inquiries, positions on boards and teaching and writing she has taken action to overcome infringements of human rights wherever possible.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.