Statement by AMMA Chief Executive, Steve Knott
Australia’s national resource industry employer group, AMMA congratulates Justice Susan Kiefel on her appointment as the next Chief Justice of the High Court.
In becoming the first woman to be appointed to Australia’s most senior judicial position, Justice Kiefel has achieved a great milestone for herself personally and for all Australian women.
Her story is truly remarkable, having left school at 15 years of age and beginning her career in law as a legal secretary. After finishing her legal education later in life, she became Queensland’s first female Queen’s Counsel in 1987.
Her career should be an inspiration to women everywhere, particularly those who come from humble beginnings and can look to Justice Kiefel as an example of how far they can progress through hard work and determination.
Justice Kiefel’s elevation to Chief Justice is an excellent appointment by the Turnbull Government and one warmly welcomed by the resource industry.
AMMA also congratulates Brisbane-based Justice James Edelman on his appointment as a High Court Judge, filling the vacancy left by Justice Kiefel’s elevation.