First Nations advocate wins major human rights award

William Tilmouth from the Northern Territory was awarded the Human Rights Medal on Friday night for dedicating his life to reform, justice, opportunity and self-determination for First Nations people.

He is a member of the Stolen Generation, has led numerous community organisations and is the founding chair of Children's Ground.

"Human rights are about people having agency in their lives. The guidance and strength of Elders and the community leading change continues to inspire my work," Mr Tilmouth said.

"The children will learn from Elders that the foundation that they were born into is still strong, their language is still strong, culturally their identity is intact."

NT coroner Elisabeth Armitage was recognised for her work in making institutions accountable for upholding human rights, while Darwin Community Legal Service's Ramnik Singh Walia was singled out for advocating for inclusion and accessible services for older people, people with disability and Indigenous communities.

The Young People's Award went to Tasmanian Shakira Robertson for her trauma-informed work to prevent domestic and family violence.

Women's and racial equality advocate Juliana Nkrumah delivered an oration in which she called out racism and Australia's denial of the issue.

"One cannot advocate for social justice while tiptoeing around racism," she said in her speech.

"Yet in Australia, say the words 'our society is intrinsically racist', and suddenly it's 'hell no'. That's because so much energy goes into denying racism, covering it up and smoothing it over.

"The truth is, some people would rather cling to the comfort provided by the mirage of multiculturalism than confront the reality of racism in Australia."

For more than 30 years, Ms Nkrumah has dedicated her life to advancing human rights in Australia and abroad, particularly women's safety and equity.

She said the absence of a charter of human rights in Australia was an example of the government failing to take action that would make a real difference.

"A human rights act would require governments and public servants to properly consider and act compatibly with human rights when making decisions, delivering services and developing laws and policies," she said.

"It's time for (the federal government) to step up and leave a legacy that will resonate through generations to come by protecting and empowering everyday people."