Former Victorian governor Sir James Gobbo dies, aged 90

A state funeral will be held for Sir James Gobbo, the 25th governor of Victoria, after he died on Sunday aged 90.

Sir James and Lady Gobbo at the Brandenburg Orchestra performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

A state funeral will be held for Sir James Gobbo, the 25th governor of Victoria, after he died on Sunday aged 90.

A Rhodes scholar, QC and supreme court judge, Sir James was appointed governor in 1997 on the recommendation of then-premier Jeff Kennett.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he was saddened to learn of the death of Sir James, who had “led a life of service”, and had offered his family a state funeral, to be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 16, at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Mr Kennett remembered Sir James as the “most wonderfully compassionate man” and an “entirely selfless individual”, who had never sought recognition or applause.

“Sir James would have considered it inappropriate to be described as a great Australian, but he was one of the most influential in the community in which he lived and worked,” he said.

“He was one of the most genuine of men and women I have ever met. He has influenced the lives of so many and set a standard of high achievement and humility rarely seen in our increasingly commercial world where people seem to be increasingly judged on the size of their bank accounts.

“With all his knowledge and experience, he never saw the need to interrupt a conversation, but when he had a contribution to make, he did so quietly, to the silence of those around him, with a profoundness within his words that you knew were carefully considered and would be correct in fact.

“It was for this reason more than any other that my government recommended to Her Majesty the Queen that Sir James be appointed as Victoria’s 25th Governor.

“We will miss his intellect, his compassion, his wit, his humility, his example on how to live one’s life, and for so many of us his friendship.

“The State of Victoria is a better place as a result of Sir James Gobbo’s life and contribution.”

Giacomo “James” Augustine Gobbo was born in Carlton, in Melbourne’s inner north, on March 22, 1931, to Italian parents Antonio and Regina.

The family returned to Italy four years later, before settling in North Melbourne when Sir James was aged seven. At the time he spoke no English.

Sir James went on to be educated at Xavier College and the University of Melbourne, where he lived at Newman College and studied law.

As a Rhodes scholar, he attained a Master of Arts at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Having worked as a barrister and been appointed Queen’s Counsel, Sir James was made a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1978, serving for almost 16 years until his retirement from the bench in 1994.

He was knighted in 1982 for service to the community, and awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his contribution to the law, multicultural affairs and hospitals.

Sir James served as Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria from 1995 until his appointment as Governor in April 1997.

His traditional five year term was cut short due to the republican referendum, and he expressed disappointment when then premier Steve Bracks appointed John Landy to succeed him from January 2001, citing an understanding with Mr Kennett that his term would be extended beyond December 31, 2000.

Mr Kennett’s letter of appointment stated that any extension of Sir James’ term beyond December 2000 would be a matter for the premier of the day, and Mr Bracks said he had no knowledge of an undertaking to extend the term.

Sir James subsequently served as Commissioner for Italy for the Victorian government until June 2006, as well as on various boards and councils, including as chair of the National Library of Australia and Order of Australia councils, the National Advisory Commission on Ageing, and the Australian Multicultural Foundation.

He married former librarian Shirley Lewis in 1957 and the pair had five children. Infamous gangland lawyer Nicola Gobbo is his niece.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge described as a “true gentleman”, who made an “incredible contribution” to Australia.

“He was a great advocate of our unique ability to integrate people from around the world into our one great multicultural nation. Condolences to his family,” Mr Tudge said.

Federal Liberal MP Kevin Andrews said he had been honoured to serve as Sir James’ associate for two years during his time as a justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

“He was a wonderful mentor and friend. He brought to his life a deep sense of community founded in his family and his Catholic faith,” Mr Andrews said.

“His contribution to the law, public life and civil society, especially health care and our ethnic communities, was unsurpassed.

“He was a great Australian, always conscious and proud of his Italian heritage.

“I extend to his wife, Shirley, and his family my sincere condolences.”

Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli also paid tribute, describing Sir James as a “great Australian and proud Victorian.”

“Sir James was a man of faith, family and heritage, and a true servant of civil society in very many ways. May the Lord welcome him to paradise, and give comfort to Shirley and the family,” Archbishop Comensoli said.

Victorian opposition legal affairs spokesman Matthew Bach said Sir James had made an “extraordinary contribution” to Victorian jurisprudence, to the state and to the nation.

“He was a proud advocate of multiculturalism and a champion of the diverse migration policy upon which our state is built,” Dr Bach said.

“Sir James’ success as a supreme court judge and as governor is a testament to the success of Victoria.”

Former opposition leader and barrister Michael O’Brien said Sir James was “a wonderful lawyer, judge and governor”.

“Sir James’ life was one of service and our state is so much better for his contribution,” Mr O’Brien said.