Mabo Oration
Celebrating 20 years
The 2025 event marked the 20th anniversary of the Mabo Oration and was held for the first time in Gimuy/Cairns, at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
On 30 May 2025, Katie Kiss, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, delivered the 2025 Mabo Oration titled One Land – Two Laws – It's Black and White.
The event was hosted by C’Zarke Maza, Commissioner, Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa – Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice.
Event resources
Commemorative booklet
Oration text
Photos and recording
Continuing the legacy
The Mabo Oration continues to honour Eddie Mabo’s legacy and his fight for justice, equality, and recognition of Country. Each Oration invites reflection on the ongoing journey of reconciliation, truth-telling, and human rights in Queensland.
Previous Orations
Since 2005, the Mabo Oration has featured leading voices in law, justice and human rights. Explore past events, speakers, and resources below.
2023: Professor Megan Davis
Location: Townsville
Date: 2 June 2023
Speakers:
- Professor Megan Davis (Oration)
- Professor Henry Reynolds and Gail Mabo (Special guests)
- Jeff McMullen (MC)
Watch and download
- Watch Professor Davis’ Oration video on YouTube [53:37, fully captioned]
- Watch the 2023 panel discussion video on YouTube [25:51, fully captioned]
2019: Luke Pearson
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 3 June 2019
Theme: Indigenous voices in the digital age
Speakers:
- Luke Pearson, CEO of IndigneousX (Oration)
- Rhianna Patrick, ABC Radio (Special guest)
Watch and download
2017: Panel discussion
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 28 August 2017
Theme: 25th anniversary of the historic Mabo decision in the High Court
Facilitator: Stan Grant, journalist and author
Panelists:
- Professor Tom Calma AO
- Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA
- Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC
- Jayde Geia
- Vonda Malone
2015: Dr Dawn Casey
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 10 August 2015
Theme: The Mabo judgment: Was it the agent for change and recognition?
Speaker: Dr Dawn Casey PSM FAHA
2013: Les Malezer
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 21 July 2023
Theme: Corroboree
Speakers:
- Les Malezer, Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (Oration)
- Father Frank Brennan (Commentary)
Download
2011: Terri Janke
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 3 July 2011
Theme: Follow the stars: Indigenous culture, knowledge and intellectual property rights
Speakers:
- Terri Janke (Oration)
- Bryan Keon-Cohen (Commentary)
Download
2009: Tom Calma
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 5 June 2009
Theme: From self-respect comes dignity, and from dignity comes hope: meeting the challenge of social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Speakers:
- Tom Calma (Oration)
- Murray Wilcox QC (Commentary)
Download
2007: Larissa Behrendt
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 15 June 2007
Theme: Finding the promise of Mabo: Law and Social Justice for the First Australians
Download
2005: Noel Pearson
Location: QPAC, Brisbane
Date: 3 June 2005
Theme: Peoples, Nations and Peace
Download
Header photo credit: QHRC