Ceremonial - Crennan J - Welcome Brisbane

This matter concerns a ceremonial welcome to Justice Susan Crennan of the High Court of Australia upon her first sitting in Brisbane. The welcome was extended by Mr Martin Daubney, SC, Vice-President of the Bar Association of Queensland, and Mr Rob Davis, President of the Queensland Law Society. The proceedings involved addresses from both representatives of the Queensland legal profession, acknowledging Justice Crennan's distinguished career and her appointment to the High Court.

The primary legal issue, though not explicitly debated, was the formal recognition and welcoming of a new Justice to the High Court in a specific jurisdiction. The addresses implicitly touched upon the significant responsibilities of a Justice of the High Court, the independence of the judiciary, and the importance of the Court's role in the Australian legal system. The occasion also served to highlight the connections between Justice Crennan and the Queensland legal community.

The court's reasoning, as expressed through the welcoming addresses, centred on acknowledging Justice Crennan's extensive legal and extra-curial achievements, including her prior roles as a jurist, silk, and president of bar associations. The speakers emphasised her qualifications and character as being well-suited to the demanding role of a High Court Justice. Justice Crennan, in her response, acknowledged the distinguished traditions of advocacy and legal service in Queensland and expressed her anticipation of discharging her responsibilities with the cooperation of the Queensland legal profession. The proceedings concluded with the adjournment of the court.