Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration

Courageous, ceaseless, clever, compassionate - over many years, and in many theatres, The Hon. Joan Kirner AC fought for community, equality and social justice.

Joan was perhaps best known for her work as the front-woman for the grassroots campaign for educational reform in Victoria in the 1970s, and later as that state's first female Premier. She was also prominent in the nation-changing struggles for social inclusion, women's equality, environmental protection, and community-driven community development.

Having played an integral role in the development of the social fabric of Australia, Joan remained to her final days an enduring community activist and champion for the forgotten and the downtrodden.

The Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration was first delivered in 2011 and continues today.

Every year, a different community leader is invited to speak at length on a topic which is important to Australian society. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and passion.

Please enjoy the following Joan Kirner Social Justice Orations.

2026 Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition and Treasury

2025 Ray Martin AM, Australian media icon

2024 The Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP, current Minister for Social Services

2023 Craig Foster AM, former Socceroo, respected broadcaster and social justice advocate

2022 The Honourable Nicola Roxon, former member of the Australian parliament

2021 Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, current Minister for Foreign Affairs

2020 Paul Bongiorno AM, media personality and social commentator

2019 Professor Helen Milroy AC, Commissioner, Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

2018 Professor Gillian Triggs AC, former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission

2017 Andrew Denton, media personality and social commentator

2016 Waleed Aly, media personality and social commentator