EMBARGO: AGAINST DELIVERY
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA MONDAY, 26 MAY, 1980 X
THE OPENING OF THE HIGH COURT
Today marks a further step in the evolution of our nation.
For today, in our national capital, in close proximity
to the Federal Parliament, and to those buildings which
house the executive arm of Government, we are giving a
permanent home to the High Court of Australia.
Now, for the first time, the three great institutions of
the Commonwealth, wherein reside its legislative, executive
and. judicial power, are brought together with a visible
presence in our national capital.
To add to this sense of history, we are privileged, your
Maj4esty, and honoured, to have you perform the
opening ceremony.
For my Government, and for the people of Australia, it is
a dlistinct pleasure to welcome you and his Royal Highness
to our midst. Both of you, and your family, enjoy a deep
respect and a warm affection from all Australians.
Little more than 53 years ago, when Canberra was a forbidding
environment compared to its beautiful setting today, your
late father, then Duke of York and later King George VI,
officiated at the inaugural sitting of our Parliament in
this city.
Since then, buildings which house the executive Goverment
have inevitably been drawn to Canberra. Today, with your
opening of the High Court building, the seat of the nation's
supreme judicial body, Canberra becomes even more so
our national capital.
The High Court of Australia is of special importance to
all Australians a vital element in our Federal constitutional
system.
This system involves a division of powers and it is a
fundamental function of the High Court to pronounce upon
the boundaries of these powers. The Court performs this
function by express direction from the Constitution itself.
It may seem strange that the High Court, which is so essential
to the structure of our democracy, should acquire a permanent
home only in the 80th year of our nationhood.
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Over the years, sittings of the High Court have been
held in State capital cities. And each year, sitUE]' ngs
have been designated to be held in every State. AA6
yet, even now, Sir Garfield will not be saying to
his brethren: " Oh rest ye brother mariners, we will
not. wander more". For the sittings of the Court will
not, be entirely confined to Canberra.
But the decision of 1968, by the' Government of the day, A
mea~ ns that the national court will now have its home in
the! national capital.
In all, four Federal Governments have played a part in
its establishment. But to bring the project to fruition
has required a special impetus.
As my predecessor, Mr. Whitlam, acknowledged, when unveiling
the foundation plaque in September 1975, the driving force
behind the concept has been the present Chief Justice of
Australia. This building bears testimony to Sir Garfield's
vision, energy and imagination, and will stand as a
memorial to the high standards of Australian designers
and builders; craftsmen and artists.
It is a building which will attract a growing national
pride as the years pass.
All too often, in the design of modern buildings, we are
left with a functional result with little else to commend it.
On this occasion, the pursuit of function and excellence
has been rigorous and successful.
Indeed, " I submit", that function and excellence can co-exist,
as this magnificent structure proves, " beyond reasonable
doubt"; or at least, " on the balance of probabilities".
Today we celebrate the completion of a home worthy of the
institution it is to serve; and we are grateful to all those
whose skill and dedication have made this possible.
Now, the three arms of Government, in their inter-dependent
arid independent roles, will be made manifest to all. And those
who reflect, will recognise that the presence amongst them
of the judicial power, is an affirmation of the permanence
and supremacy of the rule of law. For, in the final analysis,
this is but a building: a means whereby the Justices of
the High Court of Australia, as their oath of office requires,
shall: " Do right to all manner of people, according to law,
without fear or favour, affection or ill-will".
Your Majesty, this is a momentous occasion for us all.
We are delighted that you and so many distinguished guests
have been able to share it with us.
In this way, you have secured for this day, an indelible
place in Australia's history. 000---