Tasmanian-born judge officially sworn in to High Court of Australia
“Proud Tasmanian” Robert Beech-Jones has been officially welcomed as the newest judge to the nation’s highest court, the first time someone from the apple isle has ascended to the august bench.
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“Proud Tasmanian” Robert Beech-Jones has been officially welcomed as the newest judge to the nation’s apex court.
Justice Beech-Jones was sworn in to the High Court of Australia last month, with a ceremonial sitting in Canberra that honoured everything from his Savage River beginnings to his more recent work on a key Covid vaccine mandate case.
The first Tasmanian-born judge to ever be appointed to the High Court, Justice Beech-Jones was heralded into his new role by five eminent legal voices.
These included Stephen Donaghue KC, Commonwealth Solicitor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, who said during Justice Beech-Jones’ formative years, he “developed a love for the freedom, great outdoors and natural beauty of Tasmania that you maintain to this day”.
Dr Donaghue said Justice Beech-Jones had heard almost 1000 cases throughout his judicial career to date, both civil and criminal, including hundreds of criminal appeals.
He said one of the judge’s decisions had become one of the most-cited judgments on bail in New South Wales, and also mentioned other high-profile cases he had presided over, including the Covid case and the sentencing of politician Eddie Obeid.
Dr Donaghue said Justice Beech-Jones had made an “enormous contribution” to the Supreme Court of New South Wales since his appointment to its bench in 2012, and since his appointment as Chief Judge of the Common Law Division and a Judge of Appeal since 2021.
Greg McIntyre SC, President-Elect of the Law Council of Australia, described Justice Beech-Jones as “proud Tasmanian” but noted he’d now returned to his “old stomping grounds” from his university days, having studied in Canberra with the now‑Chief Justice Stephen Gageler.
Justice Beech-Jones gave a nod to his teachers at Wynyard High School, Burnie’s Hellyer College and at the Australian National University, describing them as “overworked, highly professional and deeply committed to assisting every student regardless of their ability” who were “fine examples of public service for a judge to follow”.
He also spoke of his wife, acclaimed playwright and lawyer Suzie Miller, saying “the focus of attention” rightly belonged to her, and the longevity of her words.
“The presence of my family and friends on this day serves to remind me of where I came from, what is important and make my affirmation of office that much more solemn,” Justice Beech-Jones said.
“I am very much looking forward to joining this great court.”
Justice Beech-Jones’ appointment came as the retirement of Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC, who was replaced by Justice Stephen Gageler AC, left a position open on the seven-spot judiciary.
The High Court of Australia is the nation’s highest court and ultimate court of appeal.
Originally published as Tasmanian-born judge officially sworn in to High Court of Australia
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