News & Events

Latest News & Events

All
Event
In Brief
News
2Jun
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1105

Last Friday night’s Bar Dinner was a real success. My sincere thanks go to Dr Stephen Donaghue KC for delivering an extremely well-constructed, thoughtful, and very funny keynote speech, and Emmerson Dodge for providing our live entertainment at the end of the night. Members should know that our Bar Office staff put in a huge effort to ensure the evening went smoothly. I would like to make special mention of Stephen Porter, Matt Reddin and Miranda Tulloch. And, as she always does, Amanda Utt put in a power of work to pull it all together. Planning for next year’s event is already underway. At our next Bar Council meeting later in the month, we will discuss whether to change the day of the dinner, perhaps to a Saturday. If you have any views about that, please let me or one of the other Bar Councillors know.

30May
News

Appointment — His Honour Judge Edward (Ted) Winslow Woodward

Supreme Court of Victoria

The Honourable Chief Justice Ferguson of the Supreme Court of Victoria has advised us today that the Executive Council appointed his Honour Judge Edward (Ted) Winslow Woodward as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria effective 5 June 2023, and as President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal effective 1 July 2023.

26May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1104

On Monday, I met with Justin Graham KC, Anthony Strahan KC, Michelle James and Amanda Utt to discuss our Bar’s Advocacy Teacher Training requirements in the medium term. To deliver the Readers’ Course (and several other skills-based sessions we offer) we rely upon committed volunteer instructors who are willing to share their expertise with those seeking to learn our craft. As much as possible, we seek to ensure that the participants in our courses receive high quality, rigorously delivered programs for our pool of volunteers. That requires planning and effort, particularly on the part of the Readers’ Course Executive, and the Bar Office education team.

24May
News

Appointment — The Honourable Justice Emilios John Kyrou AO

Federal Court of Australia

The Acting Attorney-General of the Commonwealth has announced today that she intends to recommend to His Excellency the Governor-General that His Excellency appoint The Hon. Justice Emilios John Kyrou AO as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia effective 8 June 2023, and that His Excellency appoint His Honour as President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal effective 9 June 2023.

23May
News

Vale — Rear Admiral the Honourable Alwynne Rowlands AO RFD RD

Bar Roll No: 691

It is with deep regret that the Victorian Bar advises members that Rear Admiral the Honourable Alwynne Richard Owen Rowlands AO RFD RD RAN sadly passed away on 13 May 2023.

19May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1103

Friday night last week was spent at the NSW Bench & Bar Dinner. Catherine Gleeson of New Chambers gave an excellent Ms Junior speech about the various types of ‘super juniors’ one finds at the NSW Bar. It was very funny and could have been written about our ‘super junior’ members. Greg Sirtes S.C. gave the Mr Senior speech with real skill and fantastic comedic timing. He then introduced the Honoured Guest and main speaker, the Honourable Justice Jacqueline Gleeson, who gave a very funny, typically humble speech. It was an excellent evening. My thanks to Gabrielle Bashir S.C. and the NSW Bar for the kind invitation to represent our Bar at their annual event.

17May
News

Vale — The Honourable David Jackson AM KC

Bar Roll No: 2661

It is with deep regret that the Victorian Bar advise members that the Honourable David Jackson AM KC died peacefully on Monday morning 15 May, in Sydney. David had recently celebrated his 82nd birthday.

17May
News

Vale — John L Batten

Bar Roll No: 1572

John (Jack) Leonard Batten died peacefully with his family on Friday, 12 May 2023, aged 73 years. Jack bravely battled cancer for the last 6 months and succumbed at 6:15pm on Friday.

12May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1102

On Monday morning, I met with Remy van de Wiel KC, Chair of the International Advocacy Training Committee, to discuss the current operation of the Committee and a potential new initiative designed to build upon the excellent work it does in the Pacific region. The idea will be discussed at Bar Council next week. We have a long and proud history of engagement with our Pacific neighbours. The work the Committee does is good for the Bar, and good for those who receive the training. That is particularly so in countries where the rule of law is fragile. My thanks to Remy for his time and bringing a new idea for us to consider.

5May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1101

On Monday afternoon, together with Gina Schoff KC, Peter Chadwick KC, Amanda Utt and Kai Li Zhu, I met with Fiona McLeay (Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner) and her team to discuss the delegated functions we perform for the Board. I’m very pleased to report that our respective teams are working very well together. It is important that the decisions we take as delegate are consistent and in accordance with the Board’s policies and guidelines that apply across both branches of the profession. To make sure that occurs, we collaborate closely with the Commissioner and her office. It is an excellent working relationship, and it is one that we will continue to prioritise. I’m very grateful for all of the support we receive from the Commissioner and her office. There is no question that it directly benefits our members in material ways.