High Court Chief Justice Susan Kiefel ‘the pride of Queensland’
HIGH Court Chief Justice Susan Kiefel was celebrated as “the pride of Queensland” and an inspiration to all Australians as she was sworn in to the top judicial job this morning.
HIGH Court Chief Justice Susan Kiefel was celebrated as “the pride of Queensland” and an inspiration to all Australians as she was sworn in to the top judicial job this morning.
The state-school educated judge, noted for dropping out of high school at 15 before pursuing her legal career, breaks the perception of “ivory tower” courts and is Australia’s first female Chief Justice of the High Court.
In attendance at the ceremony in Canberra were Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Chief Justices from all states and territories, two former High Court Chief Justices, New Zealand’s Chief Justice and Attorney-General George Brandis.
Justice Kiefel, who was admitted to the Bar at 21, also became Queensland’s first female QC in 1987 and in 1993 was the first woman appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Senator Brandis said it was notable that she had achieved so many firsts.
“But your professional advancement and success has had nothing to do with your gender and everything to do with your intelligence, diligence and skill,” he said.
“You bring to this office not merely outstanding achievements as a scholar and a superb reputation as a judge, but all the wisdom born of a life — rich, diverse, and not without its challenges, especially in the early years.”
There have now been 13 Chief Justices of the High Court, with Justice Kiefel the fourth from Queensland.
President of Queensland Bar Association Christopher Hughes said Justice Kiefel’s career path was an inspiration for all Australians, not just lawyers male or female.
“Your career to date and appointment today are a source of great pride to the Queensland profession and indeed the state as a whole,” he said.
Law Council of Australia president Fiona McLeod SC said her appointment was a landmark moment for women in the history of the nation.
Justice Kiefel in her own address briefly touched on the subject.
“When I came to the Bar in 1975 there were very few women members of the profession. This is not the occasion to consider why this was so,” she said.
“The point presently to be made is this has changed and so has the composition of the court.
“In more recent times the appointment of more women to the court recognises that there are now women who have the necessary legal ability and experience as well as the personal qualities to be a Justice of this court.”
Justice Kiefel said she had been given a great responsibility.
“With the co-operation of my colleagues, I trust I shall discharge it well and justify the confidence which has been reposed in me,” she said.
Originally published as High Court Chief Justice Susan Kiefel ‘the pride of Queensland’
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