Professor Bell has been a “tireless and highly effective advocate” for human rights law on access to equal justice. As a justice of the Supreme Court, he played a major role in the implementation of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

“His honour has been instrumental in enforcing human rights as fundamental legal rights within the Victorian justice system. His Honour’s judgements have been highly influential in the human rights field in Australia generally,” Monash Law wrote in a statement.

He is known particularly for his work in enforcing the rights of minors, people with disabilities and unrepresented litigants. His judgments address a range of rights, including freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, the right to security and the right for privacy.

During his time in the Supreme Court, he served as president of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Prior to this, he practiced as a barrister at Victorian Bar for 20 years, eight of which was served as a member of the Queen’s counsel.

In 2017, he was recognised as a member of the Order of Australia for “significant service” to the law and to the judiciary, to native title and human rights, and to the community.

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“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Professor Bell to the Castan Centre and Monash University. We look forward to working together and continuing our vital work of promoting human rights in Australia and abroad,” the law school said.