I am pleased to announce that it will be recommended to the Governor-General
that the Honourable Justice (Anthony) Murray Gleeson AC, be appointed
as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.
Justice Gleeson, 59, is currently Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
of New South Wales and has held this position since 1988. In addition
he has been the President of the Judicial Commission of New South
Wales since 1988 and Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales since
1989.
Prior to his appointment to the New South Wales Supreme Court, Chief
Justice Gleeson had a distinguished career at the Bar. Having been
appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1974 he went on to become President
of the New South Wales Bar Association from 1984 to 1986. At the Bar
he had an extensive general practice with significant expertise in
equity, commercial and constitutional work and was held in the highest
regard for his advocacy skills.
The proposed appointment arises following the imminent retirement,
with effect from 22 May 1998, of the current Chief Justice of the
High Court, the Hon. Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE.
I am sure that Mr Justice Gleeson will serve as Chief Justice with
great distinction. His experience, skill and superb legal abilities
admirably fit him for the task.
There will be an opportunity, at the time of his retirement, to say
something of Sir Gerard Brennan's work as Chief Justice.