Refugee and asylum seeker advocate Marion Le has worked consistently and effectively in promoting human rights for over three decades. President of the Indo-China Refugees Association for over 10 years, Ms Le visits the refugee camps of Thailand and Malaysia and Australian detention centres, working to promote long-term durable solutions to the problems of the dispossessed of famine and war.
Her work has resulted in the successful settlement of hundreds of refugees and migrants into the Australian community. As a teacher of 30 years experience Ms Le was responsible for introducing programs into schools that raise issues of multiculturalism, human rights and social justice.
The judges were impressed by her outstanding contribution to the advancement of human rights in Australia. They said 'She has given so much of herself in a voluntary capacity to individuals and families, and has applied the lessons of those experiences to seek broader systemic solutions in policy and legislation. She has provided help to many and acted as an example to many more; she has not only spoken out but she has acted, consistently and courageously, to make human rights a reality in the lives of so many.'
Winner