Obituary — Austin Parnell

Austin read with Simon Wilson KC on the 18th floor of Owen Dixon Chambers West. Interestingly, also in the February 1990 Bar Readers’ group was his Honour Magistrate Patrick Southey, who had completed his articles under Austin, which gave Austin much pleasure.

Austin was a great friend to all in that Reader's group, and more widely across the Bar. He was very experienced in the law and unstintingly generous in his time assisting junior members of the Bar. He developed a varied practice and was liked and well regarded by those before whom he appeared and to whom he was opposed. He was scrupulously honest, regarded the law as a vocation, and deeply understood the role of counsel.

After he retired from the Bar, Austin worked again as a solicitor in NSW, including Mudgee and Broken Hill, where firms had great difficulty obtaining the services of an experienced lawyer. In that work Austin was again highly regarded and valued by clients and all with whom he worked throughout large country regions. He greatly enjoyed his various careers in the law.

He was good company, loyal, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Bar. He will be missed by all who knew him and benefited from his wisdom, but his example of honesty, Catholic faith, and strength of character will not be forgotten.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Geraldine, his children Jackie, Toni, Alix, and Jeremy, together with his grandchildren, to all of whom he was completely devoted.

The Bar sends its sincere condolences to all of Austin’s family, friends and colleagues.