Obituary — The Honourable Frank Turner

With a lively intelligence and energy for everything he did, Frank soon built a strong practice. From 1977 to 1981 he was kept busy as Dalton’s junior, appearing for the State of Victoria in a series of National Wage Cases. Thereafter, he appeared in an array of industrial cases in numerous jurisdictions for various clients including governments, unions and major corporations.  He travelled extensively around Australia, Singapore and all the way to an oil rig in the Timor Sea. He was later admitted in the Northern Territory and amongst other things, advised indigenous communities on various issues. He was a qualified mediator and gained a reputation as a pragmatic and effective negotiator. For a short period, he left the Bar to become a partner at Allens Arthur Robinson, where he headed up their industrial law practice.  In 2006, he was appointed to the Federal Magistrates Court. Much of the work involved the adjudication of family law and migration cases. In Court he was courteous and sensitive, his main concern being for the welfare of the children. Parties were encouraged to settle their disputes, but if a judgement was required it was short, to the point and promptly delivered.

Outside the law Frank would have a go at anything. Drummer in a band, piloting, handyman, welding, laying tiles, painting fences and demolition work. The outdoors, and in particular 4-wheel driving and fishing, were his recreations. Flounder spearing at Brighton and Point Cook, whiting fishing with Jack Pompey at Mordialloc, leading to an occasion when he hooked onto something which dragged his boat up the Bay snapping the line. It was thought perhaps to have been a passing submarine. He did better in the Northern Territory where the fish were easier to catch.

Frank and his wonderful wife Helen had three children Richard, Andrew and Caroline, of whom they were justly proud. Both sons followed Frank into the law with Andrew now the Chief Clerk of Foley’s List. 

Frank had health challenges but met them with courage and fortitude and was never heard to complain.  He had an open manner which brought friendship and respect, a sense of fun and an enthusiasm for life which lifted those around him.

He was a good man and will be missed.