Campus Law and Liberty Chapters Program
The Society welcomes applications from university students across Australia to become Campus Chapter Leaders as part of our new ‘Campus Law and Liberty Chapters’ initiative in partnership with the Australian Law and Liberty Society.
Our Campus Chapter Leaders play a vital role in promoting the Society and its work educating young Australians about the Constitution and promoting discussions of constitutional affairs.
By providing support and research opportunities, the Chapters will offer students a chance to:
Deepen their understanding of the Australian Constitution
Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for law and governance
Gain valuable experience in leadership, communication, event organisation and networking opportunities
As part of this initiative, Campus Chapter Leaders will be promoting our prestigious annual conference and essay competition, which provides students the opportunity to delve into the heart of Australian constitutional law while developing their writing skills, explore new ideas and indulge into a topic that may not necessarily be covered in their curriculum.
If you, or someone you know would like the opportunity to become a part of The Samuel Griffith Society’s Campus Chapter initiative, please contact us at contact@samuelgriffith.org.au.
Past Events
The Big Question: Does Australia need a Bill of Rights?
Our University of Queensland Campus Chapter has organised a fantastic event for students.
Legal scholar Professor James Allan weighs in on the pros and cons of adopting one. This student-led event was a great opportunity to learn and engage with fellow students, and included a thought-provoking discussion on the Bill of Rights in Australia.
UNSW Law and Liberty Chapter Campus: In Conversation with Justice Simon Steward
On 19 March 2025 our UNSW Campus Chapter held an even with The Honourable Justice Simon Steward of the High Court of Australia.
At this student organised and held event, Justice Steward shared his experiences as a barrister, judge, and solicitor to UNSW law students. During a fascinating Q&A had a unique ability to intellectually engage with one of Australia’s leading legal minds.
ANU Law and Liberty Student Chapters: Lagers and Legal Theory Night
ON 19 March 2025, our Australian National University Law and Liberty Campus Chapter hosted a casual student pub night Canberra.
Students gathered to discuss and engage with the Australian Constitution with guests Dr Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner, and Dr Joshua Neoh, Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law.
Inaugural Victorian Law and Liberty Student Chapters Mixer
Hosted on 23 April 2025 by the Monash University Law and Liberty Campus Chapter, the mixer provided networking opportunities for students, connecting them with contacts from various fields and institutions of law.
The event featured The Honourable Justice Simon Steward, sharing his insights into his legal journey. Student’s were also given the opportunity to engage with Justice Steward through a Q&A, stimulating legal thoughts.
Gathering students from Monash University, the University of Melbourne, Deakin, the Australian Catholic University and RMIT, this event brought together legal minds from across Melbourne’s finest institutions. Here, attendees also had the unique chance to meet judges and lawyers, including, Allan Myers AC, Stuart Wood AM, KC, The Honourable John Snaden and The Honourable Lisa Hepse SC of the Federal Court of Australia.
Western Australia Law and Liberty Chapters: Do Law School Grades Really Matter?
On 13 August 2025 Notre Dame University Law and Liberty Campus Chapter hosted a panel discussion event.
The panel featured Daniel White, Partner at Mills Oakley; The Honourable Michael Mischin, 38th Attorney-General of Western Australia; and His Honour Judge Alan Troy of the District Court of Western Australia.
Th panel shared candid insights regarding the role of academic performance in forging legal careers. However, panelists also highlighted qualities of integrity, work ethic, and practical experience as being equally important to academic performance.
Pre-Conference Student Law and Liberty Seminar (Perth)
On the 22 August 2025 we hosted an event for Law and Liberty Campus Chapter leaders from across Australia. This was a valuable opportunity to reflect and share their progress with each respective university’s chapter. This even helped connect students from universities across the country before the commencement of the conference.
Students also heard from speakers, The Honourable Anthony Spagnolo MLC and Katherine Deves, whilst also receiving a thoughtful introduction to constitutional law, specifically Chapter III, from Rocco Loiacono and Dr Lorraine Finlay.
Debate: Was Alexander Hamilton Wrong?
On the 20th February, in collaboration with the UNSW Socratic Society, the UNSW chapter of the Law and Liberty Society ran a discussion about some of the Federalist papers that Alexander Hamilton wrote. With around 25 attendees, there was lively debate about Hamilton's case for an energetic executive, the need for a clear separation of executive power from the legislature, and whether a bill of rights was unnecessary.
Debate: Monarchism vs Republicanism
On the 27th of February, the UNSW Campus Law and Liberty Chapter hosted a debate between composer Alexander Voltz and comedian Adam Spencer. This event was held in collaboration with the ARM and the Australian Monarchist League, both of which had several supporters at the event. The debate covered 4 questions: Does a hereditary monarch contradict Australian Values; Has a constitutional monarch provided political stability; Should we complete the transition to complete our independence; and does a constitutional monarchy safeguard democracy?