Audio
Called to the Bar Podcast Episode with Michael Kirby
On 20 May 2026, the Hon. Michael Kirby joined Professor Imogen Saunders (ANU) and Dr Christopher Ward SC (NSW Bar) in a podcast. The podcast deals with elements in Australian law concerning the application of international human rights law and other human rights law from other countries, in the determination of municipal legal problems.
Originally a strict dualism was observed in the relationship of international law and municipal law. Recently, developments are occurring showing the growing interrelationship of international law and municipal law. This podcast illustrates this development.
>> Called to the Bar: International Law Over Drinks – Podcast episode
Message from Michael Kirby to the new graduates at University of New England
It contains a top priority message Michael Kirby gave to the new Law and other graduates at University of New England. It was conducted when Michael Kirby received the Honorary Doctor of Letters at UNE. This was conferred in Armidale on 5 May 2026.. It states that Law is not only about rules (important as they are) It is also about Justice. The proper concern of every lawyer.
Podcast on Lionel Murphy with Michael Kirby by Michael Brown
This interview was recorded by Michael Brown, a Sydney family lawyer, on the work and contributions of the Honourable Lionel Murphy AC. The interview was recorded in Sydney in February 2026. It was inspired by a chapter written by Jenny Hocking on the 10thanniversary of the death of Lionel Murphy. The Foreword to that publication was written by Michael Kirby and included in a volume edited by Dr Paul Vout KC, Law, Justice and other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby (2026, Federation Press).
The podcast on Lionel Murphy celebrates 50 years of the reform of Australian federal family law. That major law reform was an achievement of Lionel Murphy in 1973-4 when he was Federal Attorney-General. The discussion with Michael Brown describes the work of Lionel Murphy as a barrister, senator, minister and High Court justice. It examines Lionel Murphy and his legacy. Michael Kirby emphasises his friendship with Neville Wran. He believes that this, rather than any link with Lionel Murphy, led to his subsequent appointment to the Australian Law Reform Commission. The podcast is concerned with creative, energetic reformist approach of Lionel Murphy to the law. This had an influence on Michael Kirby.
>> Lionel Murphy: Heresy to Orthodoxy — Michael Kirby Reflects
ALRC 50th Anniversary Dinner - panel session
Audio recording of a panel session to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian Law Reform Commission in Melbourne 2025. The participants include President of the ALRC, Justice Mordecai Bromberg; past President, the Hon. Elizabeth Evatt AC; past Commissioner, the Hon. Gareth Evans AC KC and Michael Kirby AC CMG.
Instagram short interview - Michael Kirby on LGBTIQ issues
Instagram interview that has been made of Michael Kirby by Mr Troy Bramson, journalist with the Weekend Australian.
Book launch - Law, Justice and Other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby
On 29 January 2026, in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Sydney, Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, launched a new book by Michael Kirby. The book is titled Law, Justice and Other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby. The book comprises of 55 chapters.
The Master of Ceremonies for the launch was the Hon. Chief Justice Andrew Bell AC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Also present at the launch was Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and His Excellency, Mr Simeon Beckett SC. In 1988, Sam Mostyn was an associate to Michael Kirby, then President of the Court of Appeal of NSW. Dr Paul Vout KC, editor of the book, was also an associate in 1991.
All of the chapters were speeches or articles earlier delivered by Michael Kirby. Only one chapter, the last, which is about his partner and spouse, Johan van Vloten, was written specially for the book. Many of the chapters are published elsewhere. However, the collection gathers together many essays that describe Michael Kirby’s life as a judge, human rights advocate and UN official, academic writer and expert in many sections of society. Chief Justice Gageler points out, in his launch speech, that an earlier book about the author was launched in 2009, Ian Freckelton and Hugh Selby, Appealing to the Future: Michael Kirby and his Legacy (Thomson Reuters, 2009).
The new book is readable and covers a large part of the life and work of Michael Kirby outside the courts. The book is on sale for the recommended price of $180 (discounts available to students). It is available for purchase online at info@federationpress.com.au; tel: 9552 2200.
Qld Law Society - The Callover podcast
The podcast was recorded in the QLS series “The Callover’’. The questions were addressed to particular cases in the High Court of Australia in which Michael Kirby had taken part during his service as a Justice of that Court. One of the cases discussed in the podcast was Wurridjal v The Commonwealth (2009) 237 CLR 309. This was the last decision delivered by Justice Kirby on the day of his retirement from the High Court, 2 February 2009. In answer to questions, he explained a difference that arose between the majority of the court, led by French CJ, and Justice Kirby, in minority sole dissent. The issue was whether the Federal legislation that provided for the Northern Territory Intervention in 2008 was constitutionally valid. The point of difference was whether provisions in the Federal legislation providing for monetary compensation to First Nations People complied with the Australian constitutional requirement of ’’just terms’’ . The majority held that this constitutional provision in s 51 (xxxi) was satisfied. Justice Kirby held that the provision of monetary compensation was not sufficient in Australia (unlike the United States). Just terms was a broader concept. It included the necessity of consultation with the first Nations people affected. The case is a neat example of constitutional questions that can arise in the High Court; and the differences that can exist amongst the Justices deciding the case.
Recorded on 4 September 2025 in Brisbane, at the Queensland Law Society.
Michael Kirby speaking to his younger self
A talk by Hon Michael Kirby to his younger self about growing up gay. And how it gets better in the world of today. At least in Australia.
This message was recorded on Instagram for use in a conference in Australia.
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Michael Kirby has been elected Patron of QTOPIA alongside Ita Buttrose AC OBE.
QTOPIA will launch Sydney’s gay museum.
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, Level 7, 195 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
