Mary Gaudron, first woman on High Court, dies at 83
Mary Gaudron was Australia's first female High Court judge. She died at 83 after important service on the bench.
Mary Gaudron became the first woman appointed to Australia's High Court in 1987 at age 44 and served until 2003. Born in Moree, NSW in 1943, Gaudron opened doors in a male-dominated profession.
She became the first woman appointed to the NSW Bar Council in 1972. Gaudron played a key role in the landmark Mabo v Queensland decision, which recognised Aboriginal native title.
In that case, Gaudron and fellow judge William Deane described Aboriginal dispossession as the darkest part of Australian history. After leaving the High Court, she worked for the International Labour Organisation in Geneva.
She became president of its administrative tribunal. Governor-General Sam Mostyn said her legacy lived on in the many people who continued to follow the path she helped create.
- January 5, 1943, Moree NSW
- Born
- 1987 at age 44
- High Court appointment
- 1972
- First woman on NSW Bar Council
- 83
- Death age
Why it mattersHer career opened doors for women in law. Her judicial decisions changed how Australia recognises Indigenous rights.
AustraliaGaudron's work on the Mabo case fundamentally changed Australian law to recognize Aboriginal native title, affecting land rights across the country.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
