Ceremonial - Welcome - Keane J - Melbourne

This matter concerns the ceremonial welcome of Justice Patrick Keane to the High Court of Australia for his first sitting in Melbourne. The proceedings involved addresses from Ms Fiona McLeod, SC, Chair of the Victorian Bar Council, and Mr Reynah Tang, President of the Law Institute of Victoria, welcoming Justice Keane to his new role. The addresses recounted Justice Keane's distinguished career, including his time as Solicitor-General for Queensland, a Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia.

The legal issues before the court were not substantive legal disputes but rather the customary protocols and expressions of welcome and respect for a newly appointed Justice of the High Court. The addresses focused on Justice Keane's extensive professional biography, his judicial experience, and his contributions to the legal profession and public service. They also touched upon his public commentary regarding the complexity of Commonwealth legislation and the importance of access to justice.

The court's reasoning, as expressed through the welcoming addresses, was to acknowledge and celebrate Justice Keane's qualifications, experience, and character. The speakers highlighted his intellectual prowess, dedication, integrity, and compassion, drawing on testimonials from various stages of his career. The addresses served to formally introduce Justice Keane to the Victorian legal profession in his capacity as a Justice of the High Court and to express the profession's high regard for him.

The proceedings concluded with Justice Keane expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledging the esteemed legal professionals he had encountered in Victoria throughout his career. He also humorously addressed a previous suggestion to support a particular AFL team. The court then adjourned.