Recognising “unsung heroes” who have fought to preserve individual rights, human dignity and safety, the Awards are the ninth to be held by the organisation, formerly the Australian Plaintiff Lawyers Association.

Kenny has worked representing Aboriginal women in the Hindmarsh Island Bridge dispute and fighting for native title rights. As well, he is representing Guantanamo Bay detainee and Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks.

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Johnston, who won the award last week, has campaigned for the rights of children and has raised the profile of child abuse by lobbying politicians. She has also challenged former Governor General Peter Hollingsworth.

Past winners include former intelligence analyst Andrew Wilkie and lawyer Jennifer Beck, who exposed unsafe practices at a WA hospital.