Former High Court judge William “Bill” Gummow AC has passed away at the age of 83.
Justice Gummow dedicated more than four decades to the law as a barrister, judge, teacher and author. Called to the New South Wales Bar in 1976 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1986, he went on to serve on the Federal Court of Australia before his elevation to the High Court in 1995, where he served until 2012.
He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1997 in recognition of his service to the law.
“Justice Gummow was a deeply learned, rigorously analytical and highly collegiate member of the High Court who contributed greatly in that capacity and throughout his professional life to the content and trajectory of Australian law,” the High Court said in a statement upon his death on Thursday.
In that Court, he helped decide some of the nation’s most significant decisions, including the 1996 Wik judgment about indigenous land rights.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said Justice Gummow’s distinguished career had left an enduring mark on Australia’s legal and academic life.
“Widely respected for his intellect, scholarship and commitment to the rule of law, Justice Gummow helped shape Australian jurisprudence during his 17 years on the High Court bench,” Ms Mostyn said.
A ceremonial sitting of the Court to honour Justice Gummow will be held.
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