Brennan CJ, Kirby, Hayne, Callinan JJ - Welcome Hobart CER

This matter concerns the High Court of Australia's sitting in Hobart, Tasmania. The proceedings involved welcoming remarks from representatives of the Law Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Bar Association to the Justices of the High Court, including Chief Justice Brennan, Justice Kirby, Justice Hayne, and Justice Callinan. The addresses highlighted the significance of the Court sitting in Tasmania, the changes occurring within the legal profession, and paid tribute to deceased members of the Tasmanian judiciary and legal profession.

The central legal issues revolved around the High Court's policy of sitting in various Australian states, including Tasmania, and the rationale behind this practice. The addresses touched upon the impact of national competition policy, mutual recognition of interstate admissions, and the importance of maintaining a strong and adaptable legal profession. The Court's role in the Australian judicial hierarchy and its function in unifying or coordinating the national legal system were also implicitly addressed.

The Court, through Chief Justice Brennan's response, affirmed its commitment to the policy of sitting in Hobart when sufficient business warrants it, a practice influenced by historical advocacy for bringing justice closer to the people and the advantages for state bars in arguing their own appeals. The Chief Justice acknowledged the high standard of the Tasmanian Supreme Court and the contributions of its members, as well as distinguished members of the Tasmanian legal profession. He also reflected on the integrated nature of the Australian judicial system, where the High Court plays a crucial role in both constitutional matters and appeals from various courts, underscoring the indispensable function of the legal profession in upholding freedom under the law.