Prominent barrister, human rights and refugee advocate Julian Burnside AO QC will headline a formal dinner at Bond University being held by BondTHINK on March 29.
In his speech entitled ‘Finding out who we are’, Mr Burnside will talk about the way asylum seekers are treated now, what this is doing to the national character and how this issue could be solved differently.
The student led group ‘BondTHINK’ aims to act as a think tank for new solutions to the issues facing Australia, with this semester’s theme focused on asylum seekers.
Featured as part of Bond’s 25th Anniversary Program, BondTHINK’s two-course dinner will be held at the University Club and will include an opening presentation by Bond University Associate Professor Darren O’Donovan, as well as Q&A opportunities after Mr Burnside’s Presentation.
Mr Burnside practices principally in commercial litigation, trade practices and administrative law, and is one of Australia’s leading advocates in relation to Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and the protection of human rights.
In 2009, he was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for is work as a human rights advocate and for his services to the arts and the law.
BondTHINK President Justine Landis-Hanley said that having Mr Burnside as the keynote speaker was an exciting opportunity for the club, as well as the students and the local community.
“To have such a widely respected legal mind and advocate for the rights of asylum seekers come and share his perspectives and solution to this pressing national issue is an honour and a privilege,” she said.
“Those attending the dinner also have the unique opportunity to ask Mr Burnside questions after his presentation.”
Tickets to the event are $42.00 and can be booked by emailing bondthinkforum@gmail.com. More information about the event can be found at www.facebook.com/bondthink
BondTHINK 2014 is proudly sponsored by Campaigns and Communications, with Flannery Law, Future Media Group and Varsity Printing also providing sponsorship support.