Vale Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE QC
02 June 2022
The Law Council of Australia and the Australian Bar Association note with sadness the passing of the Hon. Sir Francis Gerard Brennan last night, aged 94.
Sir Gerard served with distinction as Australia’s tenth Chief Justice from 21 April 1995 to 21 May 1998. He was a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1981 to 1995, President of the Australian Bar Association from 1975–76 and a member of the executive of the Law Council of Australia from 1974–76. Appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1981, and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1988 in recognition of his service to the law, Sir Gerard was one of Australia’s most distinguished and respected jurists.
LCA President Tass Liveris said, “Sir Gerard made a remarkable contribution to the law and jurisprudence and his legacy will echo long into the future. Despite his formidable abilities, his unwavering reputation for decency and thoughtfulness provide a shining model to follow.”
ABA President Dr Matt Collins AM QC said, “Sir Gerard was one of the finest jurists this country has produced. He inspired generations of lawyers with his intellect, but also his deep sense of humanity. His passing is a great loss to the whole of the justice community.”
Sir Gerard’s wife, Dr. Patricia O'Hara passed away in September 2019. Sir Gerard is survived by his four daughters and three sons.
Vale Sir Francis Gerard Brennan AC KBE GBS QC.
On behalf of the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Bar Association, our condolences are with his family at this time.
About the LCA
The Law Council of Australia is the voice of the Australian legal profession in Australia and internationally. Established in 1933, it represents all 16 Australian State and Territory Law Societies and Bar Associations and Law Firms Australia. Through this representation, the LawCouncil effectively acts on behalf of more than 90,000 lawyers across Australia on legal and policy matters of national and international importance to uphold the rule of law, to support the administration of justice and to promote access to justice.
About the ABA
The Australian Bar Association is the peak body representing more than 6,000 barristers throughout Australia. Established in 1963, the ABA is committed to serving, promoting and representing its members, as well as advocating for fair and equal justice for all.
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