2026 Immigration Law Conference Opening Remarks
Speech delivered by Law Council of Australia President, Tania Wolff at the 2026 Immigration Law Conference in Brisbane on 19 March 2026.
"We live in a world that is more connected than at any time in history. Advances in technology and travel mean that with the click of a button, or by boarding a plane, we can connect with people, ideas and opportunities across the globe.
But alongside that connection, we are also seeing growing division. Across many parts of the world, conflict, distrust and polarisation are becoming more pronounced.
In times like these, societies inevitably reflect on what matters most — the values we wish to uphold, the communities we want to build, and how we balance openness with security.
For Australia — one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world — these questions are not theoretical. They are playing out in real time, in our public discourse and policy debates.
Migration law sits at the intersection of national policy, human dignity and the rule of law. It is also an area where the strength of our democratic institutions is tested — where the law must balance sovereignty, fairness and humanity.
The answers are rarely simple. But our responses must always be guided by evidence, fairness and compassion — and anchored in the rule of law."
Last Updated on 23/03/2026