Michael Raper has been the Director of the Welfare Rights Centre in Sydney since 1990 and President of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) from 1997 to 2001. He is currently Treasurer of the International Council of Social Work as well as Treasurer of the South East Asian Chapter.
At the Welfare Rights Centre, Mr Raper and his team deal with over 4 000 low income and disadvantaged clients each year, providing advice and assistance to ensure they can exercise their obligations, rights and entitlements under the Australian social security system.
The judges were impressed with the breadth and impact of his work with ACOSS and other organisations. They said Mr Raper, though ACOSS, had become a spokesperson for low income workers and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in a field that does not receive much acclaim and is often overlooked.
Human rights medal
Winner