For Future Reference: Jennifer Robinson on Courage

What does courage mean in an increasingly complex and uncertain world? At State Library Victoria's 2026 For Future Reference lecture, Jennifer Robinson, one of the most respected human rights lawyers and advocates of our time, will consider this question through the lens of her extraordinary career. As the recipient of the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize, Jennifer's landmark work includes securing the release of Julian Assange, achieving political asylum for West Papuan leader Benny Wenda, representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp’s unsuccessful defamation claim, and taking climate change to the International Court of Justice. In this special lecture hosted by Natasha Mitchell, Jennifer will reflect on the nature of courage – what it looks and feels like for herself and the clients she represents, as well as what courage means for cultural institutions that care for and preserve collections for future generations. The barrister, author and keynote speaker will also explore whether the notion of courage has taken on new meaning in an era increasingly beset by conflict and crisis. Endowed by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, this lecture follows the 2026 Sundance Film Festival premiere and subsequent Melbourne International Film Festival screenings of Silenced, a new documentary featuring Jennifer that exposes gender-based violence and the ways defamation laws have been weaponised to silence survivors. There will be an opportunity to view rare books acquired through the Library’s Women Writers Fund initiative prior to the event. This event will be livestreamed. Auslan interpretation is available upon request. Doors will open from 6.30pm. Drinks will be available to purchase on the night. Copies of Jennifer’s book, How Many More Women?, will be available to purchase from Readings booksellers at the event. Book your tickets now. About Jennifer Robinson Jennifer Robinson is one of the world’s leading human rights lawyers and advocates. A barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London, she has acted in key international law, human rights and media freedom cases in domestic and international courts. Her diverse and groundbreaking work includes: defending WikiLeaks and Julian Assange and securing his release; acting for Amber Heard in relation to Johnny Depp’s unsuccessful defamation claim in the UK; achieving political asylum for West Papuan leader Benny Wenda; and taking climate change to the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice. Beyond the courts, Jennifer is an author (How Many More Women with Dr Keio Yoshida), a sought-after keynote speaker, and executive producer and consultant for television and film. About Natasha Mitchell Natasha Mitchell is a multi-award-winning journalist, radio presenter, trailblazing podcaster and documentary maker - and host of the flagship daily show BIG IDEAS on ABC Radio National. About the For Future Reference lecture series Endowed by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, For Future Reference is an annual lecture series that shines a light on women’s influence on society via the mediums of literature, storytelling and authorship, both historically and into the future, with a focus on the future archives to be held in the State Collection. This series is supported by the Library’s Women Writers Fund, which seeks to redress the historical gender imbalance in the State Collection by acquiring works that highlight work by under-represented women writers, artists and thinkers.