About | The Information Rights Project About | The Information Rights Project

About

We relieve the suffering of individuals whose rights to communicate and access information have been denied or violated.

We are an Australian charity fighting for the right to information. Information is the foundation of robust public institutions, a free media and a fair civic life.

Information rights are human rights. An informed population is the foundation of a functioning democracy where people are free to call out injustice without reprisal.

Our values

Human Rights at the Core

We believe information rights are human rights because they uphold the dignity and wellbeing of individuals and society.

Justice and Fairness

We seek justice and support for individuals whose human rights have been or are being violated.

Accountability and Transparency

We stand with individuals who hold power to account and champion transparency in government, institutions, and the media.

Collaboration

We recognise that information rights are global and commit to working in partnership with other organisations, groups, and individuals to achieve common goals.

Freedom of Expression

We defend the right of journalists and publishers to report without fear of reprisal.

Our story

In 2006, Julian Assange established WikiLeaks, a non-profit media organisation. It published classified documents and media that exposed violations of human rights and civil liberties in order to hold governments to account. 

In 2019 the U.S. government charged Julian with espionage after publishing film footage, documents and cables concerning the U.S. military. 

The Information Rights Project grew from the fight to free Julian. We protect the rights of individuals to express, access and disseminate information. This includes sources, journalists, activists, publishers who, like Julian, are being persecuted for making vital information public.

Our people

Gabriel Shipton
Director - Founder and Chair

Gabriel is an Australian film producer, human rights advocate, and founder of The Information Rights Project. As the brother of WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange, Gabriel played a pivotal role in the global campaign for his brother’s release, building bipartisan coalitions across Australia and the United States, mobilising grassroots support, and leading innovative fundraising efforts, including in the cryptocurrency space. He produced the 2021 documentary Ithaka, which chronicles the Assange family’s fight for justice.

Greg Barns SC
Director - Deputy Chair

Greg was an adviser to the Australian Assange Campaign and worked on the case since 2012. He is a barrister practising in the areas of criminal law, human rights and administrative law, and is based in Hobart. Greg ran the 1999 Republic Referendum campaign and prior to that was a political staffer for a decade. He is the author of four books on Australian politics, the latest being Rise of the Right: The War on Australia’s Liberal Values (Hardie Grant 2019).

Harry Bunton
Director

Harry is a seasoned strategist and advocate who brings extensive experience. Educated at institutions including the London Business School, the Royal Military College of Australia and the University of New South Wales, he is committed to promoting human rights, ethical decision-making, and freedom of information. Harry also serves on the board of Lenity Australia and is a former member of the Australian leadership team at Strategy&, PwC’s global strategy consulting arm.

Nevena Spirovska
General Manager

Nevena is an advocate for human and information rights, drawing on her experience in politics, government relations, and campaign management. She holds a Master of Public Policy and has served in senior and executive roles across public service and the NGO sector. She also serves as a board director of purpose-driven organisations.

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