2025 Alan Missen Oration

Hugh de Kretser commenced his five-year term as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission on 30 July 2024. For more than two decades, Hugh has played a critical role advancing human rights in Australia. Before joining the Commission, he was the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre and the Executive Officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres. Hugh has also served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council. He has held a range of not-for-profit board, governance and advisory positions. He worked as a community lawyer, managing the Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre after starting his legal career advising companies on employment and anti-discrimination law. He studied Law and Arts at the University of Melbourne.