Ceremonial - Kiefel J - Welcome Brisbane

This proceeding involved ceremonial welcomes extended to Justice Susan Kiefel upon her appointment to the High Court of Australia, specifically during her first sittings in Brisbane. The speakers were Mr M. McP. Stewart, SC, President of the Bar Association of Queensland, and Mr P.C. Eardley, SC, Vice-President of the Queensland Law Society. They addressed Her Honour on behalf of the legal professions of Queensland.

The primary legal issues, though not in dispute, were implicitly addressed through the speeches. These concerned the recognition and celebration of Justice Kiefel's distinguished career, her character, and her contributions to the legal profession in Queensland and Australia. The speeches aimed to formally welcome her to the High Court and acknowledge her transition from a prominent barrister and judge to the nation's highest court.

The speeches articulated the legal principles and qualities valued within the Australian legal system, such as intelligence, application, persuasion, tenacity, honour, and respect for the rule of law, all of which were attributed to Justice Kiefel. Mr Stewart highlighted her reputation as a "worthy opponent" and her principled contributions to the Bar. Mr Eardley emphasised her role in protecting and defending solicitors, her tact, and her "black letter" character, describing her as loyal, steadfast, discrete, and compassionate. Justice Kiefel, in her response, acknowledged the camaraderie of the profession and the pleasures and challenges of judicial office.