20 Finalists Named for 2026 Australian Human Rights Awards

Sydney — Twenty Australians and organisations have been named finalists for the 2026 Australian Human Rights Awards after being selected from more than 300 nominations recognising work to advance dignity, fairness and equal opportunity across the country.

The finalists span healthcare, law reform, refugee support, early childhood education, disability inclusion, media, youth participation and First Peoples’ self-determination.

Australian Human Rights Commission President, Hugh de Kretser, said the finalists reflected a nationwide commitment to protecting human rights.

“They come from all over Australia; the cities, the regions and its most remote corners,” de Kretser said.

“They have in common a commitment to the values that underpin human rights; respect, fairness, dignity, equal opportunity and freedom," he said.

The finalists will compete across five categories which are Law, Community, Media and Creative Industries, Young People and the Australian Human Rights Medal, the awards’ highest honour since the programme began in 1987.

The recipients will be announced at a ceremony and reception in Sydney on December 10, coinciding with Human Rights Day and the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 40th anniversary.

Among the four Human Rights Medal finalists is the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees in Western Australia, recognised for its frontline assistance to refugees and people seeking asylum and its advocacy for policy reform through engagement with Parliament and the United Nations.

Dr. Jane Tiller of Victoria was recognised for her work to end genetic discrimination and improve access to healthcare, particularly for First Peoples, people with disability and communities in rural and remote areas.

Aunty Glendra Stubbs of New South Wales was nominated for almost five decades of advocacy and direct support for Stolen Generations survivors, First Peoples children and survivors of institutional abuse.

The Moriarty Foundation’s Indi Kindi programme in the Northern Territory completes the Medal shortlist, recognised for its Aboriginal community-led early childhood education model combining culture, health and wellbeing while creating local employment.

In the Law category, finalists include Towards Truth, a partnership between the Justice and Equity Centre and the Indigenous Law Centre, for mapping laws and policies affecting First Peoples since 1788.

InterAction for Health & Human Rights was recognised for legal reform strengthening the rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics, while Basic Rights Queensland was recognised for Supreme Court litigation concerning the treatment of people experiencing homelessness.

Professor Paula Gerber of Victoria is also a finalist for her legal scholarship, advocacy and public education on transgender rights and inclusion.

The Media and Creative Industries category features Wild Bear Entertainment for the ABC documentary series "Judgement: Cases that Changed Australia", which examines citizens whose cases helped change laws and expand rights protections.

Bus Stop Films was recognised for creating inclusive filmmaking opportunities for people with disability, while the Torres Strait Islander Media Association was nominated for providing independent radio, television and online news to one of Australia’s most remote regions.

Illuminate Films completes the category for Yurlu|Country, a documentary following the late Banjima Elder Maitland Parker’s efforts to protect Country from the continuing effects of asbestos contamination left by the Wittenoom mines.

The Community Award finalists include Danielle Schutte, recognised for innovative approaches to homelessness through We Are Mobilise, a technology platform designed to transfer donations directly to homelessness services.

Disability advocate Carly Findlay, SNAICC National Voice for Our Children and rainbow-family advocate Paul Hadfield-Jia are also finalists in the category.

The Young People’s Award recognises Amber Brock Fabel of South Australia for youth participation initiatives, Asma Nayim Ullah of New South Wales for empowering Rohingya refugees, Jess Stone of Queensland for championing children’s voices in law and online-safety debates, and Ethan Floyd of New South Wales for advocacy across Indigenous rights, housing, racial equity, LGBTIQA+ equality and international humanitarian law.

The awards’ major partner, Settlement Services International (SSI) said the finalists demonstrated the impact of sustained community-based human rights work.

“SSI is proud to support the Awards and the everyday heroes recognised for the incredible work they do protecting and enhancing human rights,” SSI Chief Executive, Violet Roumeliotis, said.

“We see it in our own work constantly: when people are treated with fairness and respect, they don't just get by, they thrive," she said.

de Kretser said the awards were intended not only to recognise individual achievements but also to draw public attention to the wider contribution being made by human rights advocates.

“These finalists are helping to build a fairer and more inclusive Australia.

“The Awards celebrate their passion and persistence, shine a light on their contributions and inspire all of us through their stories,” he said