An evening with The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG

Join us in-person on our Bathurst campus or live stream for an exclusive public symposium and question and answer session with The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG.

As a former Justice of the High Court of Australia Michael will reflect on his legal career, reflect on the referendum vote requiring High Court Judges to retire at 70 and the recent public commentary that was an unwise move.

Presentation Title: Requiring High Court judges to retire at 70: a sensible referendum vote or a big mistake?

In 1977, the Australian electors voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to repeal life tenure for High Court and other federal judges, and to require them to retire by their 70th birthdays. Recently, some public comment has suggested that this was an unwise move, resulting in a loss of talent and shorter terms of service.

Invoking the dangers it has caused the American people and the Supreme Court of the United States, Michael will explain why he thinks life tenure is a mistake. And with reference to his own very busy life after retiring from the judiciary system in 2009 – including chairing international arbitrations, presiding over U.N. commissions of inquiry on human rights, and upholding the necessity of generational change in the judiciary system – he explains why he voted for the constitutional change and still supports its wisdom.

Come along and join us on our Bathurst campus or online for this must-attend event.