Ceremonial - Remarks on Final Sitting of Gleeson CJ - Sydney

This matter concerns remarks made by Mr Jackson, representing the legal profession, and Chief Justice Gleeson on the occasion of the Chief Justice's final sitting of the High Court in Sydney. The context was the impending retirement of Chief Justice Gleeson after a distinguished career spanning 45 years at the Bar and as Chief Justice of New South Wales and Australia.

The legal issues, while not formally litigated, revolved around acknowledging the significance of the Chief Justice's tenure and his contributions to the Australian legal landscape. The remarks touched upon the Chief Justice's standing within the profession, drawing parallels with his predecessors, and the role of Sydney as a significant registry for the High Court, noting that a substantial proportion of special leave applications are filed there.

Chief Justice Gleeson responded by expressing his gratitude for the profession's generous observations. He reflected on the symmetry of his career, noting that his last appearance as a barrister was in 1988, shortly before he was sworn in as Chief Justice of New South Wales, and that his final sitting as Chief Justice of Australia was with Justice Hayne, with whom he had appeared as a junior barrister. The Chief Justice also made a light-hearted observation about his planned return to his childhood town of Wingham. The court then proceeded to hear special leave applications.