Ceremonial - Swearing-in of Gleeson J - Canberra

This matter concerns the ceremonial swearing-in of the Honourable Jacqueline Sarah Gleeson as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. The proceedings were conducted in Canberra on Monday, 1 March 2021, with the Honourable Chief Justice Kiefel presiding. A significant number of dignitaries, including former Governors-General, former Justices of the High Court, and current judicial officers from various Australian courts, were in attendance.

The central legal issue was the formal appointment of Justice Gleeson to the High Court. This involved the presentation and reading of her Commission of Appointment, issued by the Governor-General, and her subsequent affirmation of allegiance and office. The Commission itself was issued under section 72 of the Constitution and section 5 of the *High Court of Australia Act 1979* (Cth).

The Chief Justice formally invited Justice Gleeson to take the Affirmation of Allegiance and of Office, signifying the completion of the formal appointment process. The proceedings were conducted in accordance with the established ceremonial protocols for the swearing-in of a Justice of the High Court.