Ceremonial Sitting to Welcome the Honourable Justice Steward

This matter concerns the ceremonial sitting of the High Court of Australia to welcome the Honourable Justice Steward. The proceedings involved addresses from the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Mr Christian Porter MP, on behalf of the Australian Government, and Mr Ross Drinnan, Treasurer of the Law Council of Australia, on behalf of the Law Council of Australia. Mr David Bloom QC also spoke on behalf of the Australian Bar Association. The purpose of the sitting was to formally acknowledge and welcome Justice Steward's appointment to the High Court.

The legal issues before the Court were not substantive in nature, but rather ceremonial. The addresses focused on acknowledging Justice Steward's distinguished career and his suitability for appointment to the High Court. The speakers highlighted his academic achievements, his extensive experience in taxation law as a solicitor, barrister, and Federal Court judge, and his personal qualities such as diligence, intellect, and generosity. The proceedings served to formally recognise his transition to the highest court in Australia.

The reasoning presented in the addresses centred on the qualities and experiences that have led to Justice Steward's appointment. The Attorney-General and the Treasurer of the Law Council detailed his early education, his academic success at the University of Melbourne, his career progression through Mallesons Stephen Jaques, his call to the Bar where he developed expertise in taxation law, and his subsequent appointment to the Federal Court. His contributions to legal scholarship and his reputation as a formidable advocate and a meticulous judge were emphasised. The addresses collectively affirmed the belief that Justice Steward's sound judgment, professionalism, intellect, and work ethic will make him an outstanding addition to the High Court.