Queensland State Archives & National Archives of Australia: Archives and Justice: Responsibility, Rights and Future Possibilities

Celebrate International Archives Week 2026 with Queensland State Archives (QSA) and National Archives of Australia (NAA). This year’s theme, Archives and Justice: Responsibility, Rights and Future Possibilities, explores the critical role archives play in justice, governance, and preserving memory.

Join us for an in-person thought-provoking panel discussion featuring:

• Louise Howard, Queensland State Archivist, Queensland State Archives

• Simon Froude, Director-General, National Archives of Australia

• Catherine Scott, General Counsel, Department of Justice, Queensland Government

• Kate Connors, Victims’ Commissioner, Queensland Government.

Moderated by award-winning journalist Stefan Armbruster, the panel will discuss topics such as restorative justice, digital infrastructure, and the future of archives in a changing world.

The event will include an audience Q&A and will be recorded for online sharing.

Tickets: Free (registration required)

About the panellists:

Simon Froude – Director-General, National Archives of Australia
As Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, Simon Froude is driving the transformation of the organisation to ensure the preservation and accessibility of Australia’s official records. With extensive experience in public sector archival and records management, Simon is committed to improving access to government records for individuals and communities impacted by past policies.

Louise Howard – Queensland State Archivist, Queensland State Archives
Louise Howard has been Queensland State Archivist since 2021, leading significant reforms in public records legislation, including the Public Records Act 2023. With a multidisciplinary background in technology, data, and information governance, Louise is a passionate advocate for robust recordkeeping to support transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Catherine Scott – General Counsel, Department of Justice, Queensland Government
Catherine Scott is a senior executive lawyer with over 20 years of experience in public sector legal practice. As General Counsel for the Department of Justice, she leads teams focused on legal advice, governance, and information privacy. Catherine is a strong proponent of information governance as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.

Kate Connors – Victims’ Commissioner, Queensland Government

Kate is the Victims’ Commissioner for Queensland, commencing the role in February 2026. She has 25 years’ experience in policy, strategy and law reform, including work on child protection, youth justice, domestic and family violence, crime prevention, housing and redress. Kate has held senior leadership roles in the Queensland, Commonwealth, and New South Wales governments across a number of human services portfolios.

About the convenor:

Stefan Armbruster – Journalist and Correspondent
Stefan Armbruster is an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, multicultural, and Pacific affairs. A passionate advocate for media freedom and public accountability, Stefan brings a wealth of expertise and a global perspective to the discussion.