Justice Malcolm Blue: family of former Supreme Court Justice pay tribute to ‘gentle and brilliant’ legal identity after death in farming tragedy

The devastated family of one of the state’s most respected judges has paid tribute to the “much loved” father after he died in a farming accident three weeks into retirement.

Justice Blue visiting the new Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2016 to inspect for defects, during a civil case between the state government and the project consortium. Picture: Dylan Coker

The devastated family of one of the state’s most respected judges has paid tribute to a “gentle and brilliant” legal identity and “much loved” father after a farming tragedy three weeks into retirement.

After a 47-year legal career, Justice Malcolm Blue KC stepped down from the state’s Supreme Court last month, and was tending to his Willunga vineyard when he suffered catastrophic injuries involving a tractor.

As tributes were paid from across the political and legal worlds, his family also penned a heartbreaking tribute to the “much loved and loving” father-of-three.

Justice Malcolm Blue at the Supreme Court bench in 2011 for his induction, alongside then-Chief Justice John Doyle. Picture: Gregg Higgs

Justice Malcolm Blue died on his family farm at Willunga on Saturday. Picture: Supplied by family

In a statement to The Advertiser, they said: “We are devastated by Malcolm’s loss. He was a much-loved and loving father, partner and brother, and cherished his family.

“Malcolm was always kind, funny, smart and wonderfully supportive for family, friends and legal colleagues. He was both gentle and brilliant and will be missed terribly.

“Having achieved so much during a long and distinguished legal career, Malcolm was looking forward to spending more time with his family on the property.”

“His love for the land was inspired by his parents, who had owned farms at Myponga and the South-East.

“Malcolm will be deeply missed by his partner Angela, daughters Charlotte, Victoria and Alex, three sisters, along with his extended family, many friends, and colleagues in the legal fraternity.”

Paramedics rushed to the Fleurieu Peninsula property just after 10.45am but the 70-year-old father died at the scene.

On Sunday morning, Premier Peter Malinauskas led tributes from eminent figures, calling him “a great South Australian who served his community exceptionally well over a long period of time”.

“When news of Mr Blue’s retirement came, I think many South Australians would have thought this is a gentleman who deserves a long, healthy and happy retirement given his service to the state,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“Now, to so tragically lose his life so early into his retirement is so unfortunate … My thoughts go out to his family on behalf of the South Australian government.”

On Saturday morning, ambulance and police were dispatched to Justice Blue’s farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Former High Court chief justice Robert French, appearing alongside the Premier, said the judge “had a very high reputation” within the legal profession.

“It is very sad news indeed, and I am sure South Australia will appropriately honour him as someone who has made a major contribution,” Justice French said.

In his 13 years on the Supreme Court, Justice Blue heard some of the state’s most high-profile criminal and civil cases.

They included the triple murder of Adeline Yvette Rigney and her two children by Steven Graham Peet and a dispute over $360 million worth of defects at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The exact circumstances of Justice Blue’s death are still unclear and police are preparing a report for the coroner, while SafeWork SA is also investigating.

As a Supreme Court judge, Justice Blue heard some of the state’s most high-profile criminal and civil cases. Picture: Dylan Coker

SA Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, who joined the Supreme Court bench just one year after, said “the judiciary of this state and across this country mourn the loss of their colleague”.

“Justice Blue was a pre-eminent intellect and jurist who selflessly devoted his energy to the work of the court and making justice more accessible to the people of South Australia,” Chief Justice Kourakis said.

Justice Blue graduated from the University of Adelaide and in 2001 was made a King’s Counsel, a highly-sought after title signifying seniority and ability.

Law Society president Alex Lazarevich praised his legal intellect, having argued before him several times.

“He had a keen eye for detail, and would notice legal and factual points that many counsel missed,” Mr Lazarevich said.

“He was intelligent, always patient and respectful and had a kind nature. He will be greatly missed and our sympathies are with his family.”

Justice Blue is survived by his partner and three daughters.