Australia’s first female High Court judge dies at 83
Mary Gaudron, Australia's first female High Court judge, has passed away at age 83. A legal trailblazer, she was known for her intellect and her pivotal role in the landmark Mabo native title case.
Why it matters
Gaudron's career was instrumental in advancing gender equality in the Australian legal system and shaping indigenous land rights law.
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Share A A A Australia’s first female High Court judge, Mary Gaudron, has died aged 83.
After receiving a scholarship to the University of Sydney, she left it with the university medal in hand. Asked to comment on the award going to a female rather than a male, she said: “The only difference between us is that I sit down to pee!”
Justice Gaudron at the High Court. Fairfax Media Gaudron’s distinguished career included time as a barrister – after being turned down for legal clerkships by lawyers who would not hire women – then becoming the youngest federal judge on the former Conciliation and Arbitration Commission as deputy president.
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