Media Release — Victorian Bar welcomes High Court appointments of the Honourable Justice Stephen Gageler AC, and the Honourable Justice Robert Beech-Jones

Justice Gageler will succeed Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC upon her retirement on 6 November 2023, becoming the High Court’s fourteenth Chief Justice.

Justice Beech-Jones will fill the vacancy created by Justice Gageler’s elevation.

In welcoming both appointments, President of the Victorian Bar, Sam Hay KC, noted it was fitting that Justice Gageler assume the role of Chief Justice.

“On behalf of the Victorian Bar, I congratulate Justice Gageler and Justice Beech-Jones on their well-deserved appointments,” Mr Hay said.

“Justice Gageler will doubtlessly thrive in his role, just as he did as a barrister, then Commonwealth Solicitor-General, and then High Court Justice.

“Justice Beech-Jones is a renowned jurist who will bring a very wide breadth of experience to Australia’s apex court.

“I wish both justices the very best in their new roles.

“I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Chief Justice Kiefel for her excellent service to the nation as Chief Justice.

“She has been an outstanding jurist, and I wish her well for the future.”