High Court of Australia Appointments
29 November 2016
“The Australian Bar Association warmly welcomes the announcement of the appointment of Justice Susan Kiefel as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. Justice Kiefel has had an outstanding career to date as a Justice of the High Court and has long been held in the highest regard by the profession. It is also a significant milestone and worthy of acknowledging her Honour’s appointment as the first female High Court Chief Justice in the court’s 113-year history,” said ABA President Patrick O’Sullivan QC.
“Justice Kiefel’s career has been notably ground breaking and has clocked up a number of “firsts” over the years. Her Honour was the first female barrister in Queensland to become a Queens Counsel and was also the first female appointed to the Queensland Supreme Court. Justice Kiefel is one of Australia’s most outstanding judicial officers and an inspiration to young women throughout the profession and Australia.”
“The ABA also commends the appointment of Justice James Edelman to the High Court of Australia. Justice Edelman’s career to date has been one of stellar achievement in both academic and legal practice, having been awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Oxford, appointed to the Western Australian Supreme Court in 2011 and the Federal Court of Australia in 2015.”
“We look forward to following both Chief Justice Kiefel and Justice Edelman in their continued commitment to public service, upholding the rule of law and delivering justice in Australia.”