January 1943 -14 September 2026

The nation remembers Mary Gaudron KC, whose distinguished career transformed Australia’s legal landscape. As the first woman appointed to the High Court of Australia, and the only woman Justice in the Court’s first century, she broke new ground and inspired generations of Australians to pursue careers in the law and public service.

From her upbringing in Moree NSW to her advocacy for equal pay and her distinguished service on the nation’s highest court, Justice Gaudron brought her fierce intellect, integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to justice to every role she held. Her legacy endures in the Australian legal system and in the many people who continue to follow the path she helped forge.

The Governor-General extends her condolences to Justice Gaudron’s family, friends, colleagues and all who admired her remarkable contribution to Australia.