Harrison James

Topics

• Authenticity
• Author
• Facilitator
• Leadership
• Master Of Ceremonies
• Mental Health
• Overcoming Adversity
• Social Responsibility

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Harrison James is an award-winning Australian activist, author and co-founder of the national law reform campaign #YourReferenceAintRelevant, widely recognised for transforming lived experience into measurable legislative change.

After surviving childhood sexual abuse, Harrison turned personal trauma into a coordinated national movement to abolish the use of “good character” material in the sentencing of convicted child sex offenders, a practice many victim-survivors argued retraumatised them in court. What began as a single petition evolved into one of the most significant survivor-led reform campaigns of the decade, helping reshape public debate around sentencing practices and accountability.

His advocacy has contributed to substantial reform momentum across multiple jurisdictions. In New South Wales, the Government introduced the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Good Character at Sentencing) Bill 2026, which has passed the Legislative Assembly and progressed to the Legislative Council. In the ACT, the Family, Personal and Sexual Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 proposes to render character references irrelevant in sentencing for sexual offences against children and is progressing through a committee inquiry. In Victoria, reforms have been announced to scrap “good character” references as a mitigating factor, with legislation flagged for introduction mid-year.

Harrison’s voice has emerged as a defining force within a new generation of advocates reshaping how Australia responds to sexual violence, demonstrating how survivor-led initiatives can influence institutions, policy and public consciousness at scale.

He is the author of Transform Your Pain into Purpose: How to Find Your Voice and Make a Difference (Affirm Press), a practical guide to building momentum, influencing stakeholders and creating change without waiting for perfect timing or permission.

In his presentations, Harrison speaks to three core themes that underpin leadership and wellbeing. Purpose, building agency and action when change feels difficult. Resilience, sustaining effort through setbacks, scrutiny and slow progress. Men’s Mental Health, challenging unhelpful norms and creating healthier conversations that strengthen teams, relationships and leadership.