PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: No. 43/ 1972.
TRIBUTE TO SIR KENNETH BAILEY
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. William
McMahon, M. P.
Sir Kenneth Bailey came to the service of the Commonwealth
Government after distinguished academic and administrative service
at the University of Melbourne.
He held high office in the Commonwealth Service for more
than twenty-five years. In particular, he was Commonwealth Solicitor-
General and Secretary to the Attorney-General's Department between
the years 1946 to 1964. In these two offices, he was principal law
adviser to successive Attorneys-General and Prime Ministers and to
governments generally. He occupied these posts with great
professional and personal distinction.
After 1964, he was for five years Australian High
Commissioner in Canada and since 1970, special adviser on
international law to the Attorney-General's and Foreign Affairs
Departments. He represented Australia at many major conferences. His
renown extends widely abroad.
Sir Kenneth Bailey was a man of outstanding scholarship
and industry. He had great humanity.
He was a personal friend of mine and on all occasions a
charming and pleasant companion. He was a great Australian and a
great civil servant.
I extend to Lady Bailey and his family my own and the
Government's deepest sympathy.
CANBERRA, 3 May, 1972.