Ceremonial -Toohey J - Farewell Perth CER

This matter concerns a special sitting of the High Court of Australia held in Perth on 24 October 1997. The occasion was the final visit to Perth by the Honourable Justice John Leslie Toohey, AC, prior to his retirement from the High Court in early 1998. The proceedings involved addresses by Mr J.G. Syminton, President of the Law Society of Western Australia, and Mr W.S. Martin, QC, President of the Western Australian Bar Association, acknowledging Justice Toohey's distinguished career and contributions to the law and the legal profession.

The central issue was not a legal dispute requiring determination by the Court, but rather an opportunity for the legal profession in Western Australia to formally acknowledge and farewell Justice Toohey. The addresses highlighted his extensive career, commencing with his admission to practice in 1952, his time at the Western Australian Bar, his roles as inaugural principal legal officer for the Aboriginal Legal Service, his academic contributions, and his leadership positions within both the Law Society and the Bar Association of Western Australia. The proceedings also touched upon significant High Court decisions during his tenure, such as *Cole v Whitfield*, *Mabo*, and *Wik*, and his appointments to the Federal Court, the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The addresses detailed Justice Toohey's significant impact on the legal landscape, including his early recognition of the potential scope of section 52 of the *Trade Practices Act* in *Fencott v Muller*, and his consistent advocacy for the integration of the legal profession. Both speakers emphasised his courteous and benevolent judicial demeanour, his commitment to fundamental rights, and his enduring connection to Western Australia. Justice Toohey, in his response, expressed gratitude for the kind words and acknowledged the demanding nature of High Court work, the importance of community understanding of the law, and the vital relationship between the judiciary and the legal profession. He also reflected on his nomadic judicial life and the friendships formed during his service.