Stephen Murray-Smith Memorial Lecture 2002

Towards a Just Society - Beyond the Spin

Australians have a traditional instinct for the fair go. In the past this has been reflected in our concern for the underdog, the battler. Does government policy reflect these values any more? Beyond the spin, how far have we travelled towards a just society?'
- Julian Burnside QC

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Julian Burnside is a barrister practising in Melbourne and other parts of Australia. He has appeared in several high profile cases: on behalf of Ok Tedi natives against BHP; for Alan Bond in fraud trials; for Rose Porteous against Gina Rinehart; for the Maritime Union of Australia in the waterfront dispute against Patrick Stevedores; as Senior Counsel assisting the Australian Broadcasting Authority in the 'cash for comment' inquiry; and, for Liberty Victoria in the Tampa litigation.

Julian Burnside is passionately involved in the arts. He collects contemporary paintings and sculptures and regularly commissions music. He is deputy chair of Musica Viva Australia, chair of Fortyfive Downstairs, and a council member of the Victorian College of the Arts. He has written a successful children's book, Matilda and the Dragon, and writes regular articles on language and etymology, and on notable trials. He is married to artist Kate Durham.