• Former Justice of the High Court of Australia the Hon. Mr Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, will deliver a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst on Wednesday 29 May

Charles Sturt University in Bathurst will host a free public lecture by the Hon. Mr Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, on Wednesday 29 May at 6pm.

Mr Kirby (pictured) is a former Justice of the High Court of Australia (1996 to February 2009) whose extensive legal career garnered many accolades and continues in retirement.

He will deliver a presentation titled ‘Requiring High Court judges to retire at 70: a sensible referendum vote or a big mistake?’.

Director of the Charles Sturt Centre for Law and Justice Professor Mark Nolan said, “We are delighted to again welcome Mr Kirby to the University.

“As a former Justice of the High Court of Australia Mr Kirby will reflect on his legal career and the 1977 referendum vote requiring High Court Judges to retire at 70 and the recent public commentary suggesting that was an unwise move.

“He will speak about his legal practice, judicial and post-High Court career demonstrating that his legal qualifications have underscored a lifetime of service in a range of legal roles.”

Professor Nolan encourages attendance in person on Bathurst campus (room 223, building 1292) or online at this hybrid event to hear Mr Kirby explain that in 1977 Australians 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.

“Mr Kirby will refer to recent public comment that has suggested that this was an unwise move, resulting in a loss of talent and shorter terms of service,” Professor Nolan said.

“Invoking the example of the Supreme Court of the United States and the dangers it has caused the American people, Mr Kirby will explain why he thinks life tenure is a mistake.

“And with reference to his own very busy life after retiring from the judicial system in 2009 – including chairing international arbitrations, presiding over UN commissions of inquiry on human rights and upholding the necessity of generational change in the judicial system – he explains why he voted for the constitutional change and still supports its wisdom.”

The free public lecture is at 6pm until 7.30pm on Wednesday 29 May in room 223 in building 1292, off Village Dive at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, or guests can attend via the live stream, and are asked to register here.

Mr Kirby will also present the Occasional Address at the Charles Sturt Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences graduation ceremony at 3.30pm Thursday 30 May at the CD Blake Auditorium (building 1220) on Village Drive off Panorama Avenue, Bathurst.