A key lesson from our time with Jonno was the need to find that balance of engaging strategically with the state and other institutions, without compromising the integrity of a movement; his position as Councillor gives him access to a range of resources that he would not have otherwise, but he is very conscious of the ways in which the government is designed intentionally to limit the power and the voice of the people. This is why community organising is always important; community organising refers to everyday people coming together at the grassroots level, to take direct action towards solving their collective problems.

Recently, UQ students were privileged to hear from The Honourable Catherine Holmes, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland. The topic of her Honour’s lecture was the independence of the judiciary – threats faced by judges in other countries and in Australia. The speech was lucid, convincing, and thought-provoking, and concluded with a call to consider the issues further. This, I seek to do now.