Ceremonial - Welcome to Gageler J and Keane J - Perth

This matter concerns a ceremonial sitting of the High Court of Australia in Perth, Western Australia, to welcome Justices Stephen Gageler and Patrick Keane. The proceedings involved addresses by Mr C.M. Slater, President of the Law Society of Western Australia, and Mr P.D. Quinlan, SC, President of the Western Australian Bar Association, who extended a formal welcome to the Justices on behalf of the legal profession in Western Australia. The addresses acknowledged the significance of the High Court sitting in Western Australia and reflected on the history of the Court's visits to the State.

The legal issues before the court were not substantive legal disputes but rather the ceremonial matters of welcoming new Justices to the High Court and acknowledging the importance of the Court's presence and engagement with the legal profession and community across Australia. The addresses touched upon the historical context of the High Court's interactions with Western Australia, the nature of legal practice and judicial appointments, and the ongoing role of the High Court in the Australian legal system.

The reasoning and principles applied were those of judicial ceremony and professional courtesy. The speakers highlighted the value of the High Court sitting in different jurisdictions to foster understanding and connection with the broader Australian community and legal profession. They emphasised the qualities of the newly appointed Justices, drawing on their professional backgrounds and contributions to the law, and expressed confidence in their future service to the Court and the nation. The addresses underscored the importance of skilled legal practitioners, principled persuasion, and the rule of law in the administration of justice.