In 2016, with support from the former Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC and the former Senior Master, Associate Justice John Efthim, the HRAC was established to develop a reform agenda to make a difference for people who identify with a disability. An Auslan interpreter was also present for the ceremony and a transcript is available.Ībout the Human Rights Advisory Committee The launch event was held online, and a full recording of the event is available to watch. The charter has been endorsed by the Department and was officially launched on 6 February 2023. The HRAC initiated a Charter of Rights for Parents and Carers with disabilities, who have an involvement with Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Child Protection). Members of the HRAC, with Dr Colleen Pearce AM, and the Croft family Watch the Launch of the Charter of Rights Left to right: The Honourable Justice Croft, Robert Croft, The Honourable Associate Justice Steffensen, Dr Colleen Pearce AM, and Krystyna Croft

Guest speakers of the evening were John Bolitho, retired Principal Lawyer at Bolitho + Legal Kathryn Booth, Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, and the Senior Master, Associate Justice Fiona Steffensen.ĭuring the ceremony, Dr Colleen Pearce AM also presented to Funds in Court artwork created by artist Robert Croft to commemorate the occasion. The ceremony also featured Miranda Bain, deputy chair of the HRAC as the master of ceremonies, who thanked the Committee, the former Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC, and the former Senior Master Associate Justice John Efthim for their long-standing support. The Honourable Associate Justice Steffensen holding the Public Advocate Award, and Dr Colleen Pearce AM, Public Advocate of Victoria The award was officially presented to the HRAC by the Public Advocate of Victoria, Dr Colleen Pearce AM, on Wednesday 22 February 2023 at a ceremony in the Law Library Victoria.

Her Honour said, “This award deservingly casts a brighter light upon the important work done by the HRAC to address complex issues that have a direct impact on Victorians with a disability”. The Senior Master, Associate Justice Fiona Steffensen, who administers Funds in Court, extends her congratulations to the members of the committee.

Download photo of 2022 supreme court