Twenty Australians and community-focused organisations have been named finalists in the 2026 Australian Human Rights Awards.
Selected from more than 300 nominations, this year’s finalists are making a significant difference in communities across Australia. Their work includes improving healthcare, supporting refugees, expanding access to education, advocating for law reform and helping young people thrive.
The finalists are recognised across five award categories, including the Australian Human Rights Medal. Among the nominees are LGBTIQA+ rights advocate Paul Hadfield-Jia, respected legal scholar Professor Paula Gerber, community organiser Ethan Floyd and InterAction for Health & Human Rights.
Paul Hadfield-Jia is nominated for his advocacy for rainbow families and his efforts to remove legal barriers for LGBTIQA+ people seeking to start or grow their families.
He led community advocacy for reforming Western Australia’s surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology laws after years of stalled reform, bringing the voices of rainbow families and the wider community directly to decision-makers.
Ethan Floyd is nominated for the Young People’s Award. The 23-year-old activist, community organiser and law student has advocated for human rights across a range of issues, including First Nations justice, housing, racial equality and LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
He is a director of the Tenants’ Union of NSW and Democracy in Colour, a national racial justice organisation, and a Pinnacle Foundation scholar.
Professor Paula Gerber is recognised in the Law Award category for promoting understanding of transgender rights and inclusion through her legal scholarship, advocacy and public education. Her most recent book, Sex, Gender & Identity: Trans Rights in Australia, was released in 2025 and laid out the case for transgender legal recognition in language that is accessible and straightforward.
In the same category, InterAction for Health & Human Rights has been recognised for helping secure landmark legal reforms that strengthen the rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics.
The award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday 10 December at the UTS Great Hall in Sydney.
