High Court of Australia

The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE QC

The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCV) KBE QC who died on 29 October 2017 served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 2 March 1972 until 11 March 1982.  He subsequently served as Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia from 1982 to 1989.

Sir Ninian was a graduate in law of the University of Melbourne, after having served with the Australian Imperial Force in New Guinea.  He was admitted to the Bar of Victoria in 1952 and was made a Queens Counsel in 1966.  He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1970.

Sir Ninian’s contribution to the jurisprudence of the High Court will endure.  His judgments were well known for their precision and clarity.  He was a most courteous judge as he was an advocate.

Sir Ninian is remembered with affection and respect by all those who served with him and who knew him.  The Justices of the Court extend their sympathies to his widow, Valery and to his family.