'Leadership and Legacy in Indigenous Law' with Tony McAvoy SC

Australia’s first Indigenous Senior Counsel, Dr Tony McAvoy SC, returned to QUT to deliver the Meanjin Oration under the theme Leadership and Legacy in Indigenous Law. A QUT Law graduate (1988) and 2018 Alumnus of the Year, Dr McAvoy shared his journey from Inala to becoming a leading advocate for Indigenous rights, reflecting on early challenges, racism, and his commitment to mentoring young Indigenous lawyers.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Dr McAvoy has shaped Australia’s legal landscape through roles including Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court and assisting the Royal Commission into Youth Detention. He now chairs the Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation and serves on the Council of First Nations board.

Hosted by QUT’s Carumba Institute, the Oration coincided with the National Indigenous Legal Conference, amplifying dialogue on Indigenous legal futures.

Dr Tony McAvoy SC
Dr Tony McAvoy in conversation with Professor Chelsea Watego

In-conversation

The event featured an in-conversation segment with Carumba Institute Executive Director Professor Chelsea Watego, where Dr McAvoy spoke about the importance of unity among First Nations peoples and embedding lores and customs in policy-making.

Media gallery

About

The QUT Meanjin Oration is one of the university’s signature annual events, inspiring, showcasing, and cultivating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research excellence. Since its commencement in 2022, the Oration has engaged with critical local and national issues affecting Indigenous Australians and the broader Australian society.

Previous Orators have included:

  • Professor Marcia Langton – Uluru Statement from the Heart
  • Mr Noel Pearson – Referendum on the Voice to Parliament
  • Uncle Joe Geia – From the Act to Treaty and Truth-telling in Queensland

Be part of an evening of powerful reflection, legal insight, and celebration of Indigenous excellence.