Sir Gerard Brennan Moot Court officially opens

The moot court was declared open by the Chancellor, Catherine Livingstone AO. The opening was also attended by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Parfitt; senior leaders of the University; the Law Dean, Professor Anita Stuhmcke; Emeritus Professor Paul Redmond AM and Emeritus Professor Lesley Hitchens, law colleagues and students. The moot court on level 14 of Building 2 was named in acknowledgment of the Honourable Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE GBS.

Following the official opening of the Moot Court by the Chancellor, Sir Gerard’s daughter, Madeline Brennan KC spoke on behalf of the Brennan family. Recalling her father’s love of the courtroom, Madeline observed:

There is no doubt that, whether as an associate, counsel or judge, Dad loved the cut and thrust of the court room. He would take it as a given that, where the mooting competition fairly demands excellence, understanding of purpose and a robust, but ever respectful, exchange of views, it will be the hearth in which anxieties are dispelled and good friendships forged.

The occasion was illuminated with the unveiling of Sir Gerard’s High Court Robes accompanied by a beautiful painting, both gifts from Sir Gerard to the Faculty of Law. The painting, ‘The Pearl and the Rainbow Serpent: symbols of power’ by Indigenous artist Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr AM hung in Sir Gerard’s High Court Chambers. As Madeline Brennan KC noted: 

It is so fitting that the Miram Rose painting stands next to the robes and on the way to the moot court. There is the foundation of the law, and the question is, how are you, in this court, going to use it for your community?

It was a poignant moment, as the opening of the Moot Court was delayed for three years. The Faculty of Law moved into the new Building 2 in February 2020, a few weeks before the University closed because of COVID. Sadly, Sir Gerard passed away in June 2022. 

The occasion provided a fitting opportunity to remember the legacy of Sir Gerard and his lifelong service to the law, selflessly given with deep intellect and reflection, humility and an overarching commitment to justice. His brilliant legal career culminated in his appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia in 1995, serving until 1998. As a Justice of the High Court, he was instrumental in the 1992 Mabo decision, delivering the lead judgment, which acknowledged the traditional rights of a community of Torres Strait Islanders, represented by Eddie Mabo, to their traditional lands on Murray Island. This landmark decision led to the legal recognition of native title in Australia. 

Sir Gerard’s commitment to the law and social justice was acknowledged by UTS when he was appointed its second Chancellor in 1988. He served in that role until 2004. The Faculty of Law was privileged to engage with Sir Gerard as the patron of the Brennan Justice and Leadership program. This program, established by Sir Gerard’s great friend, Emeritus Professor Paul Redmond AM and the (then) Dean, Emeritus Professor Jill McKeough AO in 2011, is a unique partnership with the UTS Law Students Society (LSS). Close to 300 students have taken out the prestigious Brennan Justice and Leadership Award. As of August 2023, there are 1,200 law students in the program, with students committing in excess of 7,000 volunteer hours of service so far this year.

The program’s core elements are ‘Leadership through Service’ and ‘Reflections on Justice’. These two pillars follow Sir Gerard’s practice of social justice, demonstrated through his excellence in leadership, his life-long career in the service of others and commitment to a fair and equitable society. The program’s aim, to create a profound and dynamic environment in which to engage law students, was captured by Sir Gerard Brennan in his inaugural address to students at the program’s launch in May 2011:

The program equips the student with a more sophisticated understanding of the law by stimulating the student’s experience of the culture of the community and assures the graduate that the profession of law offers the lawyer an opportunity to contribute to a peaceful and ordered society.

At the opening of the Moot Court and the unveiling of Sir Gerard’s valued gifts, Law Dean Professor Anita Stuhmcke proudly shared with Sir Gerard’s family, friends and students:

It is with great honour that we named the UTS Moot Court after Sir Gerard, and that the Faculty of Law Brennan Leadership and Justice Program - the Brennan Program as it is colloquially known - continues to thrive and allows our law students to exemplify the qualities of professional leadership, service and excellence. 

UTS law students, and indeed the Faculty of Law, will continue to be inspired and guided by Sir Gerard’s legacy. 

Learn more about the Brennan Program at UTS