The Council of Australasian Tribunals NSW Chapter is pleased to invite you to attend the 2026 Whitmore Lecture.

Since 2007, COAT NSW has presented this annual lecture in honour of the late Professor Harry Whitmore – an eminent academic and a key contributor to administrative law reform in Australia. As a member of the Kerr Committee, Professor Whitmore played a pivotal role in advancing the principles of administrative justice, including the right of individuals to challenge government decisions and the promotion of greater transparency and accountability in public administration.

The Whitmore Lecture continues this legacy by bringing together leading voices to reflect on contemporary issues in administrative justice and tribunal practice.

This year’s lecture will be delivered by The Honourable Justice Debra Mortimer, Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia.

Chief Justice Mortimer was appointed to the Federal Court in July 2013 and commenced as Chief Justice on 7 April 2023. Prior to Her Honour’s appointment, she practised at the Victorian Bar and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2003. Her Honour continues to contribute to legal scholarship as a Senior Fellow at Melbourne Law School and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be an insightful and engaging evening.

The event is free for both COAT NSW members and non-members.

Attendance can be in person or online, but registration is required. In-person attendees will enjoy refreshments and networking following the lecture.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER