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George Newhouse
Director at The National Justice Project; Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University
Professional Background
George Newhouse is a prominent figure in the legal landscape of Australia, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Macquarie University. As the Principal Solicitor of the National Justice Project (NJP), which he co-founded in 2016 with fellow lawyer Dan Mori, George has been at the forefront of advancing human rights across Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the broader Pacific region. Under his leadership, the NJP has become known for its commitment to human rights advocacy through strategic legal actions and effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including human rights specialists and community organizations.
The NJP has taken on high-profile cases, including class actions in the High Court for asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru, leading pivotal inquests such as that of Omid Masoumali, and the influential cases that ignited the #kidsoffnauru campaign. The organization works diligently with First Nations health and legal services to advocate for much-needed reforms in the healthcare system, ensuring that justice and equity are prioritized within societal frameworks.
George's work transcends the courtroom; he is dedicated to social policy enhancement and legislative reforms that center around human rights. His efforts are complemented by a robust academic presence, where he lectures on pressing justice issues and contributes to scholarly discussions on civil justice through his published works. Among his notable publications, he authored the significant text 'Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders–Civil Justice Issues in The Laws of Australia,’ which emphasizes legal challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
In addition to his role at NJP, George has been actively involved in various community and advocacy roles, including his past service as Mayor of Waverley Council. His mediation experience spans various courts, such as the Local Court of New South Wales, and he has held membership positions in several commissions, including the Workers Compensation Commission and the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal. As a board member of the Stolen Generations Testimony Foundation and director of the Adrian Lan Foundation, George continues to advocate for vulnerable communities, showcasing his unwavering commitment to driving positive change.
Education and Achievements
George Newhouse’s educational background is rooted in excellence and dedication. He holds a Bachelor of Law and Commerce (LL.B/B.Com) from the prestigious University of New South Wales, where he developed a solid foundation in legal and financial principles. Complementing his legal education, he participated in the esteemed JP Morgan Global Finance Program, equipping him with insight into the intersection of finance and law—a perspective that enhances his work within the NJP and other legal pursuits.
Throughout his career, George has also demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities, having served as a Legal Counsel for Online Reputation Management and as Special Counsel at Shine Lawyers Ltd. His prior experience as Corporate Counsel at Surry Partners Lawyers and as a partner at KNPW Lawyers and solicitor at Clifford Chance further showcases his comprehensive understanding of various areas of law, including corporate law, commercial contracts, and human rights advocacy.
Achievements
Among George Newhouse's many accomplishments, one of the highlights has been winning Australia’s first privacy class action lawsuit, which set a precedent for protecting privacy rights across diverse sectors. His advocacy work has consistently focused on combating institutional racism and providing legal support to marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld within the legal system.
George’s leadership in the NJP has not only brought national attention to critical human rights issues but has also inspired a generation of legal professionals to engage in humanitarian work. His commitment to fundamental social justice principles influences both students and colleagues alike, fostering an atmosphere of empathy and proactive engagement in legal practices. With his rich background in law, advocacy, and inter-community partnerships, George continues to shape the future of human rights law in Australia and beyond.
