UNSW Law & Justice professors and alumni join the Order of Australia

Prof. Davis was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to the law and to social justice, to the national and international advocacy of the rights of Indigenous peoples, and to the community.

“This recognition is an honour. My global work including United Nations service and constitutional recognition work was all conducted from UNSW. This is not only a personal achievement but is the achievement of many who have helped me, including and especially my mother, Dawn and my family,” Prof. Davis said.

Justice Basten was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the law as a judge, to legal education, to board and commission roles, and as a champion of Indigenous and human rights.

In the 1970s and 80s, Justice Basten lectured in law at UNSW and co-founded the Redfern Legal Centre. He chairs the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law Advisory Committee and was recently honoured with our Doctor of Laws. Justice Basten has had a distinguished career in the judiciary, known for his profound legal knowledge and dedication to upholding the rule of law. His judgments, hallmarked with an unwavering commitment to fairness, responsibility and justice, have shaped Australia’s legal landscape.

Prof. Chung was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the law, particularly his contribution to public access to legal information, and to tertiary education. He has carved a leading career with the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) since 1996, ensuring free access to Australasian legal findings and resources for 600,000 daily website hits.

Prof. Chung joined UNSW as a Senior Lecturer in 2012 and completed his PhD with us in 2014. He helps lead the Diplomacy Training Program and conducts research on legal information systems, the computerisation of law, and legal AI.

Prof. Mowbray was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the law, particularly his contribution to public access to legal information, and to tertiary education.

In 1986, Prof. Mowbray completed a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science at UNSW. He went on to co-found the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) in 1995. Alongside Prof. Chung, Prof. Mowbray has been instrumental in advancing the legal profession. He is a pioneer in the field of legal technology, having developed innovative tools that have transformed legal research and practice.

Prof. Quiggin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for distinguished service to the law and human rights, to tertiary education, and to the Indigenous community through leadership and governance roles.

Since graduating from the Bachelor of Laws in 1998, Prof. Quiggin has established her role as a respected advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. Her work has been pivotal in promoting equity and inclusion within the legal system and beyond, with a scope of influence that currently includes UNESCO, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse), and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Mrs Noffs was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to youth through health programs. Her efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many young Australians, providing support and opportunities for those in need.

Before completing a Bachelor of Laws in 2001, Mrs Noffs was already known for her exceptional work promoting Life Education Australia and was establishing Australia’s first drug treatment program for adolescents through the Ted Noffs Foundation in partnership with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. She went on to create Australia’s first free legal service for young people, and has continued providing significant assistance for young people with drug, crime and mental health issues.