Ceremonial - Welcome to Nettle J - Melbourne

This matter concerns the ceremonial welcome of Justice Geoffrey Nettle to the High Court of Australia in Melbourne. The proceedings involved addresses from Mr James W.S. Peters, QC, Chair of the Victorian Bar Council, and Ms Katie Miller, President of the Law Institute of Victoria, both of whom spoke on behalf of their respective professional bodies. Justice Nettle also made brief remarks in response.

The central issue before the court was the formal introduction and acknowledgement of Justice Nettle's appointment to the High Court. The addresses highlighted Justice Nettle's distinguished legal career, his academic achievements, his extensive experience as a barrister and judge in Victoria, and his contributions to the legal profession. The speakers conveyed the esteem in which Justice Nettle is held by the Victorian legal community and expressed pride in his elevation to the nation's highest court.

The speeches detailed Justice Nettle's impressive academic record, including First Class Honours degrees from the University of Melbourne and Oxford, his rapid progression to partnership at a major law firm, and his subsequent success as Queen's Counsel and as a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, including the Court of Appeal. His Honour's dedication to the law, his work ethic, his contributions to legal education and reform, and his commitment to access to justice were all noted. The speakers also touched upon Justice Nettle's personal interests and his self-deprecating remarks regarding his age at appointment, which were countered by affirmations of his exceptional ability and the Commonwealth Attorney-General's stated criterion for his selection.

The proceedings concluded with Justice Nettle expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledging the high calibre of the Melbourne legal profession. He indicated his anticipation of continuing to work with Victorian counsel and solicitors in his new role as one of the Melbourne resident Justices of the High Court. The court then adjourned.