STATEMENTS ON SIGNIFICANT MATTERS

Mr TED O'BRIEN (Fairfax) (09:05): The coalition associates itself with the very fine remarks of the Attorney-General and acknowledges the passing of former High Court judge Sir Anthony Mason. Sir Anthony was a towering figure in Australian law and public life, who passed away on 17 March, just a few weeks short of his 101st birthday. At the age of 39, after serving our nation in the Royal Australian Air Force and after achieving some stellar academic awards, in 1964 Mason was appointed Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth by the Menzies government.

In August 1972 the McMahon government appointed him a Justice of the High Court of Australia at only 47 years of age. Justice Mason served as a judge of great distinction, including as the ninth Chief Justice of the High Court from 1987 to 1995. Throughout that time, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern Australian legal thought.

He was known for his careful reasoning and leadership during a period of significant legal development in Australia. His judgements and influence on the direction of the court will continue to be studied for generations to come. Sir John Kerr was his mentor, and, at the New South Wales Bar, he was also a lifelong friend.

It was under Justice Mason's leadership that the High Court recognised in 1992 an implied freedom of political communication in the Australian Constitution. This development has strengthened protections for free speech within Australia's system of representative democracy. Perhaps the best known case of the Mason court was the 1992 Mabo case, in which native title was recognised in Australia for the very first time.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all who had the privilege of working with him. A grateful nation thanks Sir Anthony Mason for his service. May he rest in peace.