About Us

Our purpose

Democracy depends not only on institutions, but on citizens who understand how those institutions operate.

The Rule of Law Education Centre exists to strengthen Australia’s civic culture through education. We focus on helping young Australians understand the rule of law, the structure of government, and the principles that protect democratic freedom.

We believe education is the most durable safeguard of democracy.

Our People

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a black and white checkered top and a light blazer.

    Margaret Cunneen SC

    PRESIDENT

  • Portrait of a smiling middle-aged man in a suit and tie, with light-colored shirt, against a plain background.

    Malcolm Stewart

    SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

  • Portrait of an elderly man with a bald head, glasses, a white beard, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and a light blue tie.

    Chris Merritt

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, light skin, wearing a gray top and a silver necklace.

    Sally Layson

    CEO and Treasurer

Governing Committee

  • David Lowy AM

  • Bruce McWilliam

  • Hugh Morgan

  • Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan

  • Ian Robertson AO

  • Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Walker

Our education team

Our education programs are delivered by trained facilitators with legal and educational expertise, supported by a small professional team.

  • Justine Hanks (Education Manager)

  • Fiona Rochester (Law Day Outs)

  • Jasmine Graham (Paralegal/Facilitator)

  • Tom Jordan (Law Day Out Facilitator)

  • Zachary Seabrook (Law Day Out Facilitator)

  • Jackie Speak (Admin)

Three young adults, two women and one man, taking a selfie outside a building with a sign that reads 'Downing Centre.' They are all smiling and wearing blue checkered shirts.
Three young people smiling outside a building with a sign that reads 'Law Courts'.
View of the Australian Parliament House with a large green lawn in the foreground, a blue sky above, and a flag flying atop the building.

Why education matters

Many students leave school without a clear understanding of Australia’s legal system, democratic safeguards, or civic responsibilities. The Rule of Law Education Centre was established to address this gap, providing teachers and students with accessible, evidence‑based, curriculum‑aligned learning that makes complex legal concepts clear and relevant. Our programs support civics and citizenship education across Australia.

How we work

  • Curriculum‑aligned resources

    We develop free teaching resources aligned to Australian and NSW curricula, supporting schools to deliver effective civics and legal education.

  • Programs

    Our experiential learning programs give students first‑hand insight into how courts operate and how legal principles apply in practice.

  • Supporting teachers

    We work closely with educators, legal professionals, and academics to ensure our materials are accurate, practical, and classroom‑ready.

What we stand for

The rule of law is the foundation of Australia’s democratic system. It ensures that power is exercised lawfully, fairly, and transparently, and that no one is above the law.

Our work is guided by the following principles:

  • No one is above the law

  • Laws are clear, publicly known, and applied equally

  • Courts are independent and impartial

  • Power is limited and accountable

  • Government is subject to the same laws as citizens

Independence

Independent and non‑partisan

The Rule of Law Education Centre is an independent, non‑political, and non‑partisan organisation.

We do not advocate for political parties or policy positions. Our focus is education, equipping Australians with the civic knowledge required to participate confidently and responsibly in democratic life.

Our partners

Learn more about supporting our work

We work collaboratively with courts, educators, and civic institutions that share our commitment to strengthening democratic understanding.

The Rule of Law Education Centre, together with the Rule of Law Institute of Australia represent ordinary, law abiding Australians who wish to uphold the democratic freedoms and protections that the rule of law provides. We are supported by over 3,000 members, 70% of which are teachers around Australia.

The Centre was established to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and to provide education regarding the Magna Carta and the underlying checks and balances that protect us in Australia today. These principles include equality before the law, an independent judiciary, separation of powers, presumption of innocence, freedom of speech and the model litigant obligations.

Millhouse Foundation

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MaiTri Foundation

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Waratah Education Fund

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Atlas Network

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Mannkal Economic Education Fund

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McKinnon

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Sydney Courts

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Speed and Stracey Lawyers

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Lowy Family Group

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Ashur Securites

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Millhouse Foundation ✳︎ MaiTri Foundation ✳︎ Waratah Education Fund ✳︎ Atlas Network ✳︎ Mannkal Economic Education Fund ✳︎ McKinnon ✳︎ Sydney Courts ✳︎ Speed and Stracey Lawyers ✳︎ Lowy Family Group ✳︎ Ashur Securites ✳︎

With a strong focus on civics and legal education, and drawing on the foundational principles of the Magna Carta and the rule of law, the Rule of Law Education Centre launched a new national civics competition based on the Fabric of Australia playing cards. In 2025, the Centre continued to build on its success through the delivery of its Law Day Out programs, alongside an expanded suite of online classroom resources.

The Rule of Law Education Centre Annual Report. Image with three young people playing cards outside on a green lawn with the Australian Parliament House in the background.

2025 in review