Ceremonial - Farewell to French CJ - Melbourne [2016] HCATrans 281 (18 November 2016)

Last Updated: 18 November 2016

[2016] HCATrans 281

H I G H C O U R T O F A U S T R A L I A

FAREWELL TO

THE HONOURABLE CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERT SHENTON FRENCH AC

AT

MELBOURNE

ON

FRIDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 2016, AT 9.32 AM

FRENCH CJ
KIEFEL J
GORDON J

FRENCH CJ: Yes, Ms Batrouney.

MS J.J. BATROUNEY: If it please the Court.

I appear on behalf of the Victorian Bar and seek leave to address the Court, very briefly, to mark this, the final sitting of your Honour Chief Justice French in Melbourne. This is not the occasion for a formal farewell, but we could not let the moment go unnoticed.

Your Honour was first appointed to the Federal Court at the age of 39. You have given over 30 years’ service to the judiciary. The Victorian Bar would like to sincerely thank you for that service.

The “French” High Court has been harmonious, collaborative and egalitarian. At the Melbourne Law School events last week, your Honour refused to even describe yourself as the first among equals. Our members have enjoyed appearing before your Honour. In his famous “Anthem”, the late Leonard Cohen wrote:

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in

While your Honour has always received a perfect offering, at least from the Victorian Bar, if there was light to be let in it would be.

There has always been a respectful and courteous relationship between your Honour and the Victorian Bar and you have always been ready to support our endeavours. A few weeks ago your Honour delivered the keynote address at the opening of the Victorian Bar ABA Conference. In 2014, your Honour opened the substantial extension to Owen Dixon Chambers West. You delivered the keynote opening address at our CPD Conference in 2012.

Your Honour and her Honour Mrs French have often supported us by attending the Victorian Bar annual dinner and in 2012 your Honour was the principal speaker. We sincerely appreciate your support.

On behalf of the Victorian Bar I wish you and her Honour Mrs French well in the exciting challenges and opportunities you will share in the next chapter of your illustrious careers.

If it please the Court.

FRENCH CJ: Thank you, Ms Batrouney, and my thanks to the Victorian Bar on whose behalf you have made your remarks.

I congratulate you on your election as President, and your colleagues on their election to the Bar Council. As I have often said, the voluntary service of members of the profession in that way is indispensable to its independence.

I have sat in Melbourne on many occasions over the past 30 years, as a trial and appellate judge in the Federal Court, and on special leave applications as Chief Justice. I have developed a considerable respect for the quality of the advocacy provided by the Bar here, as well as its commitment to access to justice which was evidenced by the Pro Bono Awards which I attended on Wednesday evening.

It has been a privilege to serve as both a Federal Court judge, and for the last eight years or so as Chief Justice. I leave the role with anticipation for a new phase, but I have very much enjoyed my 30 years, and not least in Melbourne.

Thank you.

MS BATROUNEY: Thank you, your Honour. If the Court pleases.

AT 9.36 AM THE COURT ADJOURNED