The Human Rights Law Centre today pays tribute to our incredible colleague and Board member, Fiona Smith AM, who passed away last week.

Fiona dedicated her life and career to addressing inequality and fighting for systemic change. Not only was she a gifted lawyer, director and advocate, she also inspired and mentored so many others in the human rights community.

A lawyer and mediator, for decades Fiona was at the forefront of human rights and social justice practice in Victoria. As Chairperson for the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria (2003-2008), Fiona oversaw the introduction of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act, a ground-breaking legal reform for the state. The Victorian Charter has been used countless times to provide important human rights protection for people and communities.

In 2017, Fiona was honoured as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community as an advocate for human rights and social justice issues. In 2003, Fiona was awarded the Centenary Medal for her contribution to the Victorian justice system.

In her time on the Board at the Human Rights Law Centre, Fiona played a leading role in the strategy and direction of the Centre. Her passion for human rights protection, her integrity, governance expertise and advocacy for the disability sector were invaluable to the Board’s work.

Her remarkable legacy on issues of equality, disability and human rights will be remembered by the communities and people she worked with. Our condolences go to Fiona’s family and friends.

Tim Goodwin, Barrister and Acting Chair of the Human Rights Law Centre:

“Fiona’s career was truly remarkable. It’s tempting to call her an unsung hero, but that would be untrue. She was certainly a hero, but everyone who knew her sung her praises, and deservedly so. I learnt so much from her during my time with her as a Trustee of the Reichstein Foundation and a fellow Board member of the Human Rights Law Centre. I learnt about the importance of integrity – of self, of vision and of governance. We will all miss her very much but know that to honour her memory, we must continue her legacy.”

Keren Adams, Acting Co-CEO of the Human Rights Law Centre:

“The Human Rights Law Centre is a better organisation because Fiona served on its Board. She advocated strongly for human rights protection for our most vulnerable. Her entire career was devoted to serving the pursuit of justice. Fiona led by example in this work.”