Watch the 2026 Sambell Oration

You can now watch and read The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG's powerful and thought-provoking 2026 Sambell Oration.

The 2026 Sambell Oration was delivered by The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, on Thursday, 22 October.

In his powerful and thought-provoking Oration, titled ‘Poverty, Human Rights and Democracy: Three values at risk', Justice Kirby explored the deep connections between poverty, human rights and the health of our democracy. 

Justice Kirby challenged us to see poverty, not as inevitable, but as an injustice that can and should be addressed. He called for Australia to adopt official poverty measures that capture its multiple dimensions.

“When institutions become more responsive to the powerful than to the vulnerable, public policies inevitably reflect that imbalance. The result is a vicious cycle. Poverty weakens democracy. Weakened democracy allows poverty to persist and even to get worse.”

Our wonderful emcees, Chloe Sumner, Youth Advisor with the National Youth Employment Body, and Angel Niyonkuru, Administration Assistant Trainee at the Yarra Thrive Hub, brought warmth, insight and lived experience to the evening, reminding us what is possible when people have the opportunities and conditions they need to thrive. Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross offered a compelling Welcome to Country, with BSL Board Chair Jane Hodder introducing Justice Kirby and BSL Executive Director Travers McLeod reflecting afterwards.

Watch the full 2026 Sambell Oration, or read the full transcript .