Law Council of Australia (LCA) president, Stephen Southwood QC, praised Burnside’s work: “He has spoken out strongly against the poor treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, and the harmful effects of mandatory detention on children,” Southwood said.

The LCA’s international law section recently established a human rights observer panel, which will monitor human rights issues and make recommendations regarding cases in which a trial observer should be considered. The LCA appointed the Award’s judging panel, which comprised Nicholas Cowdry QC, Justice Ruth McColl and Justice Catherine Branson.

Phillip Taylor, Eric Vadarlis, the PILCH Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic and David Hicks’ lawyer Stephen Kenny were each presented with high commendations for their human rights work.