Former Tasmanian Governor Sir Guy Green dies aged 87
Former Tasmanian Governor and the state’s longest-serving chief justice Sir Guy Green AC, KBE, CVO has died aged 87, Government House announced on Friday.
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Former Tasmanian Governor and long-serving chief justice Sir Guy Green has died aged 87, Government House announced on Friday.
The Honourable Sir Guy Stephen Montague Green, Companion of the Order of Australia, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, served as the State’s 24th Governor from 1995 until 2003.
He was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania from 1973 to 1995 and Chancellor of the University of Tasmania from 1985 to 1995.
Sir Guy was the state’s first Tasmanian-born governor and also served as Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia on several occasions.
He was credited with filling the gap caused by the resignation of Governor-General Peter Hollingworth in May 2003 and the appointment of his replacement Michael Jeffrey the following August with trademark unobtrusive grace.
“Sir Guy will be remembered for his exceptional service to our Tasmanian community across many fields, from the law to education, science and the arts,” Governor Barbara Baker said.
“His dedication, knowledge and intellectual commitment to the many roles he undertook during his distinguished career were matched only by his passion for Tasmania and its place in the world.
“The staff at Government House remember with fondness his time as Governor, and we offer our deepest condolences to Lady Green and all Sir Guy’s family.
“On behalf of our entire community, I pay tribute to Sir Guy and give thanks for his life of service to Tasmania.”
Flags at Government House will be flown at half-mast in his honour.
Former Premier Ray Groom said Sir Guy was admired for the wisdom, his kindness and his sense of justice that he brought to the many roles he served in public life.
“He was an excellent governor who served with distinction,” he said.
“He was universally respected and admired as both governor and chief justice.
“Sir Guy also was a wonderful patron of the arts and a great advocate for our links with Antarctica.”
At the time of his retirement, Sir Guy said one of the toughest period had been dealing with the aftermath of the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy.
“I think perhaps we were able to help by talking to people in hospital, to emergency services, attending the services, talking to relatives.
“In a way it was something that one did in this office, but it was challenging because it is very difficult not to become emotionally involved yourself.
“If you allowed full rein to your emotions, you wouldn’t be able to do much for people.”
Sir Guy was born in July 1937 and attended the Launceston Church Grammar School from 1942 to 1954.
He graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1960, and practised law in Launceston until 1971 when he was appointed a magistrate. He was made Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania at the age of 36, in 1975.
Sir Guy was the chair of many Tasmanian institutions, including St John Ambulance to Ten Days on the Island and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff also paid tribute on Friday.
“A highly distinguished Tasmanian whose life was defined by service and unwavering dedication to our State and our Country, Sir Guy was a deeply respected jurist and a strong advocate for Tasmania, particularly its unique connection to the Antarctic,” he said.
“Sir Guy’s life reminds us that true leadership is measured by purpose and service. Tasmania is richer for his contributions, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.”
The Supreme Court of Tasmania issued a statement, noting Sir Guy’s contribution that ranged well beyond his judicial work.
“As Chief Justice for 22 years, Sir Guy is the longest-serving leader of the Court and made a
huge contribution to its evolution and development,” the statement said.
“He leaves a substantial legacy and is a notable professional example for those who follow in his footsteps.
“Significant events during his incumbency as Chief Justice included the move from the Campbell Street Courts to the new criminal courts in Salamanca in 1975 and the civil wing in 1980.
“He was held in very high regard as a jurist and judicial administrator, which is reflected in the broad range of important public offices that he held.
“However, perhaps the best measure of his Honour’s career is to be found in some of the
reflections of current judges, including “at the risk of significant understatement, he was a very polite, patient, genial and careful judge with a great grasp of principle and a stout defender of the role of the rule of law and judicial independence.”
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