AALA is very pleased to announce that the Hon Diana Bryant AO QC is our new National Patron. Ms Bryant brings to this role an esteemed service to the Australian judiciary and Australian public life.

From 2000 to 2004, Ms Bryant was the inaugural Chief Federal Magistrate of Australia, the head of the Federal Magistrates’ Court. From 2004 to 2017, she then served as the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, while also acting as Patron of the Women Lawyers Association from 2009 until her retirement as Chief Justice. She has supported and contributed to the development of family law systems in Singapore and Indonesia. She is the current President of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne. In 2012, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for “distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly to family law policy reform and practice, through the establishment of the Federal Magistrates Court, and to the advancement of women in the legal profession”.

Diana Bryant’s credentials and abilities will significantly assist AALA as it continues to broaden its benefits to members, build its legal policy and advocacy capabilities and contribute to advancing cultural diversity in the law.

We are also very pleased to announce that the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, who served as AALA’s National Patron from 2013 to 2021, is now our Emeritus Patron. Michael Kirby is an international jurist, educator and former judge. He was a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1996 to 2009.

Mr Kirby’s presence at many of our formal events and member gatherings, and as our inaugural National Patron has inspired and energised our activities since AALA was founded in Victoria in 2013. AALA now has seven State and Territory Branches across Australia and plans to open a branch in the Northern Territory in 2021. Mr Kirby will continue to support AALA in his capacity of Emeritus Patron.

AALA is delighted to have both the powerful presence of Diana Bryant and continuing support of Michael Kirby. Their joint wisdom and experience will be invaluable for AALA.

AALA Press release 7 April, 2021