Michael Kirby
There is nothing so powerful in the world as an idea whose time has come, and animal protection is just such an idea.
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG was appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1996 and retired as Australia’s longest serving judge in 2009. Armed with a passion for social justice and with years of experience in senior roles at the UN, World Bank and World Health Organisation, Michael now turns his keen mind towards seeking justice for animals as a Patron of Voiceless.
In addition to fulfilling numerous judicial duties since 1975, Michael has served on three university governing bodies and upon retirement from the High Court, was elected President of the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia (2009-2010). He was awarded the prestigious Gruber Justice Prize in 2010 and has received a number of honorary doctorates.
Michael’s interest in animal protection grew after he launched Australia’s first animal law textbook in 2009, a book which revealed to him the shocking way in which poultry and pigs are treated in factory farms. Michael has since helped pioneer the establishment of animal law as a discipline in Australia. His tireless advocacy continues with regular public events and interviews which promote animal law and animal protection throughout Australia.
He currently serves as editor-in-chief of Laws of Australia and was a member of the Eminent Persons Group, a body exploring the future of the Commonwealth of Nations.