22/05/2026

A Victorian man who successfully sued police over their use of OC (capsicum) spray at a protest in Melbourne in 2019 is the recipient of this year’s Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) 2026 Victorian Civil Justice Award.

Jordan Brown was the lead plaintiff in a class action claiming police use of capsicum spray on protesters outside the IMARC mining conference at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre was unlawful and excessive.The case was run by Phi Finney McDonald together with the Police Accountability Project at Inner Melbourne Community Legal.

“By having the courage to take this action, Mr Brown has reinforced the democratic right of people to protest safely,” said Susan Accary. “Importantly, this case tested the boundaries of police powers to use capsicum spray against people participating in protests and exercising their democratic rights.”

The annual ALA Civil Justice Award recognises individuals or organisations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the pursuit of justice.

“The Court’s decision in this case was an important step forward in recognising limits on police powers when dealing with people exercising their rights to free speech and political protest,” Ms Accary said.

“This is one of the most significant police torts decisions in Victoria in recent years. It is thanks to Jordan’s commitment, perseverance and willingness to take action that these important issues were tested in Court.”

Ms Accary said Mr Brown had used his own painful and distressing experience to help drive broader change for others.

“Rather than walking away from what happened to him, Jordan chose to pursue accountability in a way that has helped clarify the rights of protesters and the responsibilities of police,” she said. “That takes enormous courage and determination.”

Mr Brown previously said he hoped the case would contribute to “a change in culture to one that actually tolerates the right of political communication, democratic values, and makes the human rights charter in Victoria ultimately meaningful”.

“This award acknowledges the hard work, commitment and perseverance Jordan has shown in pursuing justice not only for himself, but for others who may choose to participate in protest action,” Ms Accary said.

Previous recipients of the Victorian Civil Justice Award include Victoria Legal Aid, Apryl Day, Lex Lasry, Julian McMahon, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Law and Advocacy Centre for Women.

Jordan Brown was announced as the recipient of the award today at the ALA Victorian Conference in Cape Schanck and Michelle Reynolds Director of Policy and Advocacy at Inner Melbourne Community Legal collected the award on his behalf.