Last night I presented the findings of the Bar’s first “Wellbeing of the Victorian Bar” survey to members. We were delighted to be joined by Chief Justice Ferguson at the briefing. The judiciary and the Bar are at one on the importance of good physical and mental health if we are all to achieve our potential. We all know that judges and counsel alike work in a high stress, high performance environment, and that we must work together, in partnership, to safeguard the efficient administration of justice.
A landmark survey of Victorian barristers has found more than 70% are satisfied with the overall quality of their working lives, and almost 80% are satisfied with their jobs as a whole.
The first ever Wellbeing of the Victorian Bar survey also highlights areas of concern to members such as workplace stress, lack of sleep and instances of inappropriate workplace conduct. The survey, conducted by researchers from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, attracted 854 valid responses, representing 40% of Victorian practising counsel.
It is with deep regret that the Bar Council informs members of the death late Wednesday night, 10 October 2018, of the Honourable Ian (universally known as “Sam”) Gray, long-retired Supreme Court, and previously County Court, Judge. Sam was 92 years of age (born 6 March 1926).
All practising members are invited to the release of the results of our ‘Wellbeing at the Victorian Bar’ survey. The release will take place on 18 October 2018 from 5:15pm in the Neal McPhee Room, Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 William Street, Melbourne.
Many of you participated in the Wellbeing at the Victorian Bar survey conducted in June, which was designed to obtain a better understanding of the levels of wellbeing of Victorian barristers. We now have the findings from the University of Portsmouth.
The findings are a treasure trove of information—positive and not-so-positive—that will be used to help us identify what actions and resources we can put in place to better support and assist health and wellbeing at the Bar.
I hope you can join us for this important briefing. To register, email rsvp@vicbar.com.au.
The Governor in Council, yesterday 9 October 2018, appointed as Magistrates: Constantinos Nikiforos Kilias, Alanna Mary Duffy and Timothy Stephen Hoare.
Alanna Duffy and Stephen Hoare are members of the Victorian Bar. Constantinos Kilias was a member of the Bar for more than 18½ years.
Details of their Ceremonial Sitting Welcomes are to be advised.
I encourage all eligible members to consider standing for election to Bar Council. Speaking from personal experience, it is a great privilege to serve on the governing body of the Victorian Bar. There are 21 positions: 11 in category A (silks and other barristers of 15 years or more call), 6 in category C (6–10 years call) and 4 in category C (up to 6 years call).
Nominations open today and close at 5pm sharp on Monday 15 October. For more information about nominating, eligibility, voting and the conduct of the election, see the notice below. Voting will open at 9am on 29 October and close at 5pm on 14 November, with the results being available shortly after the close of voting.
It is with deep regret that the Bar Council informs members of the death last Sunday 30 September 2018 of His Honour Judge Kevin Patrick O’Connor AM – an Acting Judge of the District Court of New South Wales and a Deputy President of the New South Wales Civil & Administrative Tribunal (“NCAT”). Kevin was 72 years of age (born 20 June 1946).
Kevin’s Requiem Mass is at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Waverley, 45A Victoria Street, Waverley NSW on Thursday 11 October 2018 at 10.30 am.
The Governor in Council, on Tuesday 14 August 2018, appointed Jade Bott and Michelle Mykytowycz Magistrates. Their Honours were sworn-in privately by Chief Justice Ferguson on Monday 20 August 2018.
The Profession will extend a Welcome to Their Honours at a ceremonial sitting in Court 1 of the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Ground Floor, 233 William Street Melbourne on:
Tuesday 16 October 2018 at 9:15 am
All counsel who are able to do so are asked to attend. Counsel are not required to robe in the Magistrates’ Court.
The Governor-General in Council last Thursday 27 September 2018 appointed Michael Francis Wheelahan QC a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia effective Wednesday 3 October 2018.
The Profession will extend a Welcome at a ceremonial sitting of the Full Court in Court 1 of the Federal Court of Australia on Level 8 of the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street, Melbourne on:
Friday 26 October 2018 at 9.30 am
All counsel who are able to do so are asked to attend, robed (wigs are not worn in the Federal Court).
