CIJ Insights vol.3 Marking the Close of an Extraordinary Chapter: A Conversation with Mina Hilson
For more than a decade, if you walked into the Centre for Innovative Justice (CIJ), you would likely be met with Mina Hilson’s warm presence, a sharp mind in action, and a passionate commitment to the Centre’s work.
A Long-billed Corella keeping a watchful eye while enjoying the garden. One of the many feathered friends spotted during Mina’s birdwatching adventures.
As she transitions out of her professional life, we sat down to reflect on her career, views on politics and justice, and advice she might have for those continuing the work.
A Career Shaped by Passion and Principle
Mina’s career has been anything but linear, and stands as a true testament that a successful and thriving career isn’t measured by staying in the same job or company for decades, but by continuously seeking roles that align with your values, passions, and where you can make an impact. From publishing to tourism, the racing industry to fashion and finally in the education sector, her professional journey has been marked by curiosity and a drive to do meaningful work. “I’ve worked in so many different industries,” she says with a laugh. “Each role I took on taught me something—whether it was about people, power, or simply what I didn’t want to do.”
When entering the university sector over 20 years ago, Mina found the perfect alignment of her skills and passions. She joined the CIJ with the goal of supporting work that genuinely improves people’s lives, under the leadership of former Victorian Attorney General, Rob Hulls. “When I came to RMIT and the CIJ, it felt a bit like finding my home and tribe,” she reflects. “I work with some of the smartest, most dedicated minds working in the sector, a number of whom came from working in government so they have excellent insight into the machinations of government and the how to turn evidence-based research into recommendations that have a chance of bringing about systemic change. People who don’t just research justice issues but actively work to change systems.”
During our conversation, hearing Mina recount her career was both inspiring and grounding, a prime example that professional paths don’t have to follow a straight line. For those seeking purpose in their work, or for students feeling the weight of choosing a lifelong career, she is living proof that there are countless ways to create real-world impact. A passion for justice doesn’t have to mean a law degree or a career in politics—it can take many forms, from research and advocacy to education and organisational leadership. What matters most, she believes, is staying true to your values and being open to where they might lead you.
Politics and the Fight for Justice: What do you think is currently the biggest issue we’re facing?
Mina is unflinchingly direct when it comes to politics and its intersection with justice. “It feels like we are in pretty dark times,” she states, referencing the global rise of far right-wing movements, media-driven disinformation, and what she sees as a disappointing lack of political courage, like what we witnessed during the referendum in Australia. “We had one real opportunity to do something meaningful and heal some of the harm done to First Nations communities with The Voice, and we blew it.”
Mina is also passionate about Australia’s treatment of young people in the justice system and the need to raise the age of criminal responsibility. “It’s outrageous that we are locking up ten-year-olds when all the research shows that this will not help them to turn their lives around and instead can cause them to spiral further into contact with the justice system.” These children’s brains are still forming, and with adequate support, understanding and education they have a real opportunity to go down a different path, to change the way they think and act. “Punitive approaches don’t work with kids… it seems like thinking straight out of the dark ages. We can and must do better by our young people. “
Advice for the Next Generation
For those entering the justice sector—whether through research, advocacy, or policy—Mina offers straightforward guidance: align your work with your values and trust your instincts. “If you have strong values and want to improve things, to make a difference, then you’ll end up in the right place… If you’re in a place that doesn’t sit right with you, listen to that feeling,” she advises. “I wish I had understood that earlier in my career.”
She also urges young professionals not to feel constrained by traditional legal career paths, especially those who start practicing law after completing their studies only to discover practicing law isn’t for them. “A law degree doesn’t mean you have to work in a law firm. You can use your law degree to springboard into other areas—[to influence policy, to advocate for change, to work in education, work in media]… I encourage anybody, particularly during this time of seeming global chaos, to use your knowledge, skills and education for good.”
A Rainbow Lorikeet showing off its brilliant colours. A dazzling sight for any twitcher! Photo courtesy of Mina Hilson
What’s next?
As Mina steps into this next phase of life, she’s looking forward to embracing new experiences and finally having the time to seek out new pursuits that weren’t possible during her working years. As a passionate twitcher, she’s eager to spend more time birdwatching and immersing herself in nature. She also plans to dedicate more time to yoga, travel, and simply exploring new interests as they arise. With no fixed schedule or work commitments, this next chapter is all about discovery, curiosity, and appreciating the freedom to follow wherever her passions lead.
Closing an Era, But Not the Work As Mina brings her career to a close, she does so with a deep sense of gratitude. “I am so incredibly proud of the work the CIJ does. I think for me in the last bit of my career, I’m very thankful that I’ve ended it on such a high note working at the CIJ.” While she’s moving on to the next chapter of her life, her belief in the power of justice reform remains steadfast.
As Mina steps away from her career, one thing remains certain: the work is far from over. We don’t get to stop fighting just because things are difficult. “The work continues,” she says simply. “It has to.”
CIJ Insights vol.3 with Mina Hilson
Published 27 February 2025
Written by Elle Thielke in Conversation with Mina Hilson