The Human Rights Law Centre’s Kieran Pender has been awarded the Lawyers Weekly Pro Bono/Community Lawyer of the Year. The award recognises outstanding early career lawyers. 

Pender, who has a focus on the protection of whistleblowers, defending free speech and ending mass surveillance, in recent months has also worked with partners across the country to push back against draconian anti-protest laws. 

He has also written columns and given media interviews about the ongoing prosecutions of whistleblowers Bernard Collaery, David McBride and Richard Boyle, and appeared before the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor in relation to the Witness J secret trial. 

Pender is also an honorary lecturer at the Australian National University’s College of Law, and a writer with The Guardian. 

Human Rights Law Centre Legal Director Alice Drury said: 

“This is fantastic recognition of Kieran and the exceptional work he is doing to ensure Australia’s whistleblowers are protected, not punished.  

“People who speak up about wrongdoing are crucial to our democracy, but too often whistleblowers in Australia are being punished and prosecuted for doing the right thing. Kieran’s legal and advocacy work is making a real difference towards a more transparent and accountable democracy.” 

“We also congratulate all of the finalists who are all doing vital work for many communities.”