On Tuesday, it was announced that Ian Waller KC had been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. I wish his Honour all the best as he makes the transition from one side of William Street to the other. Details of the welcome ceremony will be published as soon as they are known.

The Victorian Bar is an enduring and venerable institution, and one that we should all feel very proud to belong to. While we are a voluntary association of independent professionals, we can, through our Bar, make a significant collective contribution to the administration of justice. Our unique professional status and college ought be our strength and usually it is. Unfortunately, below I address a recent example of behaviour by one of our number which falls below the professional standards expected of all barristers and which undermines the collegiate atmosphere we all enjoy around chambers.

On Sunday, I was alerted to a report about an interesting planning decision raising an issue of overshadowing and rights arising under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic). The case involves a proposed development that may impede sunlight reaching an adjoining house. One of the occupants of the house is a young person with complex care needs who has difficulty leaving home and relies on going into the backyard for fresh air and sunlight. The case is yet another example of our members acting pro bono in important cases which, in this instance, seems to have made some new law. Kylie Evans and Jordan Wright appeared pro bono for the respondent. When I wrote to Kylie to acknowledge her efforts, she was very quick to point out how talented her opposing counsel were, namely Susan Brennan S.C. and Sarala Fitzgerald. Well done to all involved.