Raucous send-off by NSW Supreme Court for new High Court judge … – The Australian Financial Review

“His ink-stained CCA [Court of Criminal Appeal] robes, which resemble Jackson Pollock’s smock, will soon be repossessed and may well adorn a mannequin for the purposes of our Bicentennial celebrations next year.

“In memory of his Honour’s boyhood home, the mannequin might come to be known as ‘The Savage from Savage River’.”

On a more serious note, Chief Justice Bell said there had been “a compelling case” for the appointment of a state judge with deep experience in criminal law.

The High Court had been left short on that front with the retirements of Virginia Bell in 2020 and Patrick Keane in 2022. And the previous five appointments had come from the Federal Court.

“There was an equally compelling case for that judge to be Robert Beech-Jones …

“That should not obscure the fact that he is also a very fine public and constitutional lawyer.”

The full Banco Court, which included Justice Beech-Jones’ parents, two children and family friends including actor Heather Mitchell, was treated to a ceremony that was part salute and part roast.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley spoke to a common theme – the judge’s collegiality. He recalled that new judges at the court’s 2022 Christmas party were “left awestruck when your honour summed up the year by doing it in a rap”.

“They also appreciated your very funny weekly round-up emails; taking up the opportunity to highlight great work and offer advice, but mainly for you to poke fun and show your in-depth knowledge of pop culture.”

The judge’s wife – author and playwright Suzie Miller – was fodder for all speakers.

Mr Daley noted Ms Miller had expressed reluctance about meeting someone with a “posh” double-barrelled name as she looked for a barrister to work on a case with her involving Indigenous youths about 30 years ago

“She’s glad she was wrong, and you are quite content to be the second-best writer in your house.”

The judge himself reckoned that by the end of the year a million people would have seen or read something about the legal system that had been at written in the family home. “And none of it by me.”

Justice Beech-Jones reflected on his time as a trial judge and the fact his work would be reviewed by appeal judges – something he would be doing full time in his new job.

“I have been pen friends with the Court of Appeal for many years, writing to them to as a trial judge and then as a colleague.

“I look forward to continuing our correspondence although from a slightly different perspective.”