Page 1455 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 July 2020
Next page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Thursday, 2 July 2020
MADAM SPEAKER (Ms J Burch) took the chair at 10 am, made a formal recognition that the Assembly was meeting on the lands of the traditional custodians, and asked members to stand in silence and pray or reflect on their responsibilities to the people of the Australian Capital Territory.
Mr Michael Somes
Motion of condolence
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (10.02): I move:
That this Assembly expresses its deep regret at the death of former Magistrate Michael A Somes of the Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory, and tenders its profound sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues in their bereavement.
I rise this morning to move a motion of condolence on the passing of former magistrate Michael Somes, who died on 23 June this year. Mr Somes was a well-liked and admired member of our community, admired for his commitment to the administration of justice within the Australian Capital Territory. He had a very strong connection to our city, studying at St Edmund’s College in Griffith and completing his law degree at the Australian National University.
Mr Somes was admitted to practice in 1965, beginning a long and distinguished legal career with work in a major local law firm, Gallen, Kelly and Dainer. He was made a partner of that firm, a position he held until his appointment to the bench.
Mr Somes began his judicial career as a magistrate in January 1986 and served in that position for more than 20 years, earning the respect of not only his peers but everyone with whom he dealt.
Mr Somes was passionate about rugby. He served on the ACT rugby judiciary, acting as chair, and as Rugby Australia’s citing commissioner.
His career and work affected the lives of many thousands of people. On behalf of the Assembly, I want to say that we are grateful for his service to the community, and we extend condolences to his wife, Anne, their children, extended family and friends during this difficult time.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (10.04): Madam Speaker, the opposition joins all members of the Assembly in paying tribute to former magistrate Michael Somes. Born and raised in Canberra, Magistrate Somes began his schooling at St Christopher’s Cathedral school, before attending secondary school at St Edmund’s College. It was at St Edmund’s that his love for rugby was cemented, and I am sure that he would appreciate having it recorded in Hansard that, in his
Next page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video