Ceremonial Sitting - On the Occasion of the Retirement of the Chief Justice, the Honourable Anthony Murray Gleeson, AC

This matter concerns a ceremonial sitting of the High Court of Australia held on Friday, 29 August 2008, to mark the retirement of the Chief Justice, the Honourable Anthony Murray Gleeson, AC. The sitting was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including retired Justices of the High Court, Chief Justices from other Australian courts, the Chief Justice of New Zealand, Commonwealth and State Attorneys-General, Solicitors-General, and Presidents of the Australian Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia. The primary speaker was the Honourable Mr R. McClelland, MP, Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The purpose of the sitting was to pay tribute to the service of Chief Justice Gleeson. The Attorney-General's address highlighted Chief Justice Gleeson's distinguished career, his appointment as the tenth Chief Justice of the High Court, and his leadership during a period of significant national and global change. The address also touched upon his early life, legal education, and his progression through the legal profession, including his appointment as Queen's Counsel and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales before assuming the role of Chief Justice of the High Court.

The Attorney-General's remarks focused on Chief Justice Gleeson's contributions to the Australian legal system and judicial institutions. He noted Chief Justice Gleeson's role in fostering judicial identity and his support for judicial education, including the establishment of the National Judicial College. The address also referenced Chief Justice Gleeson's observations on the changing nature of judicial work, particularly the increasing emphasis on interpreting and applying legislation, and his encouragement for legal educators to adapt to these developments.