Events

2026 Seabrook Chambers Lecture presented by The Hon Marcia Neave AO

Please join us for pre-lecture refreshments in the Melbourne Law School foyer from 5.30pm.

From campaigns to end family violence, to reforms aimed at reducing women’s economic inequality, law reform has played a vital role in addressing injustice. But what are the best ways to do this? And how do we do law reform that achieves success?

Drawing on decades of experience in law reform and judicial practice, the Honourable Marcia Neave AO combines her reflections on reform with insights from her recent work chairing the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women inquiry into violence against sex workers.

Marcia Neave will argue that successful law reform requires clear task definition and disciplined planning in designing legal, practical and cultural changes. It also requires recommendations on the structures that will oversee implementation and ensure ongoing evaluation of the effect of the reforms. Whether reforms emerge from Law Reform Commissions, Royal Commissions, public inquiries or other review processes, success ultimately depends on ensuring they achieve their intended outcomes without creating unintended consequences.

The Seabrook Chambers Lecture is an annual lecture series established by former Judges of the Accident Compensation Tribunal in the State of Victoria. This series invites internationally renowned guests to speak on issues relating to the rule of law in Australia and around the world.

This special event honours the extraordinary legacy of Margaret Williams-Weir: the first Indigenous person to attend an Australian university and a resident of University Women’s College.

The Oration will be delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), Professor Barry Judd.

Professor Judd is passionate about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure the University cultivates a culture in which Indigenous knowledges, histories and perspectives are celebrated, and will speak  about the University’s progress in this space.

University of Melbourne staff, students and community are invited to join University College in celebrating Indigenous history and the significance of Margaret’s legacy in education and beyond.