Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub
The Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) is pleased to announce a new Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub at the Melbourne Law School. This is an important step in strengthening research on how all disabilitylaws affect people with disability, often in ways which are inequitable, and the ways in which disability, law and policy intersect.
Supported by MDI, the Hub will join a growing network of disability-focused research hubs across the University. Together, these initiatives strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and embed disability inclusion across research, teaching, and policy development.
The Hub builds on the achievements of the Disability Law Network, which for more than five years has been led by Associate Professor Piers Gooding, Dr Kay Wilson, and Judy Bourke. Their work played an important role in shaping national and international conversations on disability law reform.
The new Hub will be directed by Associate Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake, a globally recognised scholar in disability human rights. Anna was the founding Chair of the Disability Human Rights Research Network and currently serves on the Executive Committee of MDI.
“The establishment of this Hub represents an important step in ensuring that disability inclusion becomes embedded across all areas of law,” Professor Bonyhady said. “By bringing together leading scholars andstrengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, we are building the foundation for legal systems that genuinely uphold the equality, rights and agency of people with disability.”
A cross‑faculty Steering Committee will guide the Hub’s strategic direction. Members include:
- Professor Bruce Bonyhady (Chair)
- Associate Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake
- Professor Alysia Blackham
- Judy Bourke
- Associate Professor Kate Fischer-Doherty
- Professor Ian Freckelton
- Professor Beth Gaze
- Professor John Howe
- Professor Paula O’Brien
- Professor Jeannie Paterson
- Lydie Schmidt
- Dr Natalie Sheard
- Professor John Tobin
The launch of the Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub reflects MDI’s ongoing commitment to embedding disability rights across legal education, research, and policy engagement. By bringing together experts from across the University, the Hub aims to influence law reform, strengthen community partnerships, and support a more inclusive society.
Find out more on the Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Website