Human Rights

The International Human Rights Observer Panel, established in 2005, is a part-time panel of distinguished Australian lawyers prepared to serve as trial observers and undertake reviews in relation to human rights.

The ILS has continued to monitor international human rights matters through its International Human Rights Focus Group, co-chaired by Mr John North and Dr Gordon Hughes. The Focus Group works closely with the Human Rights Observer Panel, chaired by Mr Nick Cowdery QC, to provide support to the Law Council's Human Rights and Criminal Law Unit regarding human rights issues when required.

The Panel is chaired by Nicholas Cowdery AM QC and its current members are:

  • Michael Abbott QC
  • Ian Barker QC
  • Julian Burnside QC
  • Graham Ellis SC
  • Andrew Kirkham AM RFD QC
  • The Hon Justice Lex Lasry QC
  • The Hon Justice Glenn Martin SC
  • The Hon Justice Ruth McColl AO SC
  • The Hon Jeffrey Miles AO QC
  • The Hon R D Nicholson AO
  • The Hon Peter Sharkey
  • Professor Gillian Triggs
  • The Hon Justice G N Williams AO

Funding for panel work will be provided through the Law Council's Human Rights Fund, a fund contributed to by lawyers throughout Australia on a voluntary basis when becoming a member of the Law Council or when renewing their membership.

GUIDELINES FOR TRIAL OBSERVERS.pdf