Ceremonial - Welcome to Mr Justice McHugh - Brisbane

This matter concerns the welcome extended to Mr Justice McHugh upon his first visit to Brisbane as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. The welcome was delivered by Mr G. Crooke, QC, President of the Queensland Bar, representing the barristers of Queensland, and Mr R. Grainger-Smith, President of the Queensland Law Society, representing the solicitors of Queensland. The proceedings were held on Tuesday, 27 June 1989.

The primary issue before the court was the formal reception of a new Justice of the High Court to the Queensland legal profession. The addresses highlighted the distinguished legal career of Mr Justice McHugh, including his admission to the Bar in New South Wales, his appointment as Queen's Counsel, his extensive practice, and his significant contributions to the New South Wales Bar and the Australian Bar Association. The addresses also touched upon his elevation to the New South Wales Court of Appeal and his subsequent appointment to the High Court, which were universally acclaimed by the profession.

The speakers articulated the importance of the High Court's sittings in Brisbane, noting that these visits provide an opportunity for the Queensland legal profession and the public to engage with the Court's business and for cases of particular significance to the State to be heard locally. The addresses conveyed the confidence and support of the Queensland Bar and the Queensland Law Society for Mr Justice McHugh in his new role. Mr Justice McHugh responded by thanking the representatives for their warm welcome and kind words, acknowledging his own familial connections to Queensland.