Sir Rupert Hamer Fellowship

The Fellowship funds experienced volunteers to return to fight for the rights of those facing execution, contributing to airfares, accommodation or living expenses.

You are eligible to apply if you have completed, or are currently undertaking, a Reprieve volunteer placement.

Application Closing Dates

Applications for the 2011 Fellowship close on the 18th November 2011.

Eligibility Requirements and Rules

Please see here.

Support the Fight

The Fund can't survive without your help. Please donate via our donations page.

About Sir Rupert Hamer (1916–2004)

With the support of his family, the Fund is named after one of Victoria's longest serving Premiers, Sir Rupert Hamer. Sir Rupert served in the Australian Army during the Second World War, and in North Africa became one of the besieged 'Rats of Tobruk'. After the war, he practised law in his family firm and began his long and active membership of the Liberal Party. Sir Rupert became Premier of Victoria upon Henry Bolte's retirement. Bolte had been a notorious supporter of capital punishment, but while Premier, Hamer successfully introduced a bill to abolish hanging. Unusually for a Premier, he introduced the bill as a private member, allowing MPs a conscience vote. The Fellowship recognises Hamer's significant contribution to the abolition of the death penalty in Australia. Sir Rupert resigned as Premier in 1981.