News & Events

On Monday, Sam Hay KC and I met with the Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes and members of her staff. The meeting was arranged as part of the Strategic Plan Working Group’s consultation process and was an excellent opportunity for us to discuss the role of the Independent Bar and how it can work most effectively with Government to further the administration of justice.

Bar Dinner

The Bar Dinner, held last Saturday evening, was a great success. The move to the glorious Great Hall at the National Gallery of Victoria and a Saturday night worked well to elevate spirits. Of course, no Bar Dinner is a success without a great speaker, and we were all privileged to hear a truly great speech, delivered with warmth and humour, from the Honourable Justice Robert Beech-Jones. His Honour reminded us how privileged we are to be members of the Victorian Bar and explained why it is so important that we ensure, as far as possible, that the composition of our membership fairly reflects the public that it serves. Our Bar Office staff put in great effort to ensure the evening went smoothly. I would like to make special mention of Stephen Porter and Roisin Ryan, from our Events and Communications team, who plan and execute these large events with poise, calm, and an eye for detail.

On Wednesday at lunchtime, I attended a ‘town hall’ style meeting conducted by the Strategic Plan Working Group in the Neil McPhee Room. It was interesting to participate in the conversation and hear from members about what the Bar’s focus should be over the next five years. On behalf of the Bar Council, I thank the Strategic Plan Working Group and all members who attended.