STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEATH OF SIR GARFIELD BARWICK

15 July 1997

I am greatly saddened by the death of Sir Garfield Barwick.

Sir Garfield was in so many ways a truly outstanding Australian. His name will play a prominent part in the history of the first century of our nation.

He was a great barrister; probably the leading appellate advocate our country has produced. In public office, he served Australia with dedication and distinction in a succession of demanding and nationally important roles: as parliamentarian; as Attorney General; as Minister for External Affairs; as Chief Justice of the High Court; and as an ad hoc judge of the International Court of Justice.

My wife, Helen, and I offer our profound sympathy to Lady Barwick, and family on their great loss.