Leading human rights advocate, author and Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal and Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo will deliver The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre’s Nelson Mandela Lecture on Thursday, 14 May.
Mayo has been a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and co-led the high-profile campaign for Australia’s Voice referendum.
In this year’s lecture, Mayo will reflect on the fragility of modern democracies and the responsibilities of both citizens and leaders in shaping the nation’s future.
“Democracies are more fragile than ever before, heightened by the growing rate and impact of technological change,” Mayo said.
“The choices we make today, as both citizens and leaders, will determine whether we thrive as a nation and leave a healthy, socially responsible legacy for future generations.
“One path is littered with unfettered media influence, billionaires and big corporations that don’t have Australians’ best interests at heart and governments that are willing to take away civil rights that are the cornerstone of our just society.
“The other path ensures Australians have clear access to the truth, recognises and uplifts First Nations people and breaks down the old barriers to economic and social prosperity for the many, that have only served the few.
“This is within touching distance and I continue to have hope that we can make this a reality.”
The Nelson Mandela Lecture Series has been presented by the University’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre since 2008 to honour Mandela, who served as the Centre’s first International Patron from 2001 to 2013.
The series provides a platform for influential thinkers and advocates to reflect on justice, democracy and shared humanity in contemporary society.
“At a time of increasing division and global uncertainty, the 2026 Nelson Mandela Lecture will consider how we uphold democratic freedoms, strengthen accountability, and embed truth and reconciliation at the centre of public life,” said The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre Executive Director & Events and Exhibitions Producer Jacinta Thompson.
“Following his presentation, Thomas will be in conversation with acclaimed Australian journalist and media freedom advocate Peter Greste.”
The lecture will begin at 6pm and while the in-person event is fully booked, members of the public are still encouraged to register for the livestream via the Hawke Centre’s website.