Alone on the Rock": The Hon. Michael Kirby AC on Dissent, Integrity, and Kindness

The Good News Feature

"Alone on the Rock"

The Hon. Michael Kirby AC on Dissent, Integrity, and Kindness

The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG has long been an inspiration to our platform. His intellect, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human rights act as a north star for much of the work we do.

Recently, The Hon. Michael Kirby returned to the microphone on The Callover podcast for a candid conversation that touched on his time in the High Court, the integrity of the Australian justice system, and his advice for the next generation of leaders.

The Curtain Call

In the interview, The Hon Michael Kirby reflected on his final decision before retiring in 2009—a dissenting judgment regarding the Northern Territory Intervention. He described the isolation of standing against the majority, arguing that the Commonwealth had failed to provide "just terms" by not consulting with First Nations people.

On The Northern Territory Intervention:
"I suggested... that the real reason for the Northern Territory Intervention was political. It was on the brink of an election, and it was another instance where something nasty was done to a minority because it was thought to be politically attractive."

He noted that this issue strikes at the very core of our national identity: “The relationship between the First Nations people, the settlers and their descendants is a matter lying at the heart of the justice of the Australian Constitution.”

No Brown Paper Envelopes

In a time where global institutions face scrutiny, The Hon Michael Kirby offered a reassuring perspective on the Australian judiciary. He described it as an "uplifting thing" to serve in a court where corruption was non-existent.

"Judges in Australia are not corrupted, they are honest, they are doing their best," he affirmed.

"It’s important for us as a profession to be kind and respectful... We are a helping profession."

— The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG

This reminder—that law is fundamentally about helping people—is a message that resonates deeply with our mission here at The Good News.

Explore the Legacy

Listen to the podcast or explore our dedicated archive of The Hon Michael Kirby's work.

📂 View Our Kirby Archive 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 📰 Read at QLS Proctor