Page 1457 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 July 2020
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While his legal career was a significant part of his life, his passion for rugby never went away. Michael was an active member of the local rugby community and was known for his good humour and knowledge of the game. In 2003 Michael was invited to sit on the ACT rugby judiciary. He eventually went on to become deputy chair, before assuming the role of chair in 2009, a position he held until his passing. He also served as a citing commissioner for Rugby Australia.
The current health crisis meant that not everyone who wanted to attend his funeral and say farewell could do so. However, the seats were still packed, with many well-respected members of the community there, including Justice John Burns of the Supreme Court, who used to work with Michael, and former senator Margaret Reid.
I have had the pleasure of knowing the Somes family for more than 20 years, firstly through Michael’s son, Adam, a teacher. I met Adam when I was in his class, in what I believe was the first period of his first day of his first permanent job as a teacher. Whilst we have loosely stayed in touch, I have more frequently seen Anne Somes at Free-Rain productions or CAT awards festivities.
On behalf of the opposition, I again recognise the significant contribution that Magistrate Somes has made to the ACT, particularly the legal profession and the local rugby community.
While Michael was highly respected in these fraternities, he always regarded his first priority as his family. Nothing was more important to him than his family. I pay our sincerest condolences to his wife, Anne; his children, Adam and Kelly; his grandchildren, Grace, Joy and Gabriel; his sister, Maria; his extended family; and his many, many friends. I thank his family for sharing Michael with the Canberra community.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (10.11): On behalf of the ACT Greens, I join my Assembly colleagues in expressing my condolences at the death of former magistrate Michael Somes, who passed away peacefully after battling cancer for several years.
Magistrate Somes had a long career, beginning in January 1986. He contributed to the community for 21 years, until he retired from the bench in July 2007. I understand that he was a passionate Canberran and, as has been outlined in the chamber today, a perhaps even more passionate rugby union supporter. I imagine that his role as a magistrate positioned him very well to go on and be a chair of the ACT rugby union judiciary. I note the impact of his passing on the ACT and southern New South Wales rugby union community.
We in the ACT are perhaps unique in having such close contact with our judiciary. I can imagine that, after such a long career, there are many in the legal community who remember meeting Magistrate Somes or being in front of him during hearings. We thank him for his public service and his contribution to the life of our city. On behalf of the ACT Greens, I convey my thoughts and sympathies to his family.
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