Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
With the passing of Mary Gaudron, Australia has lost a truly groundbreaking leader and the Inner West one of our greatest ever citizens.
In the history of our nation no jurist has done more to promote civil rights, gender equity and equality before the law.
In 1987 Justice Gaudron became the first woman to be appointed to the High Court of Australia. Prior to that she served as the Solicitor-General of NSW from 1981 until 1987.
Throughout her legal career Mary was a trailblazer for women’s participation in the law, having to overcome many barriers of discrimination that had prevented women from serving in leadership positions within the legal fraternity.
As a barrister and a judge, Mary Gaudron was a reformer in the truest sense of the word.
She successfully argued the Whitlam Government’s Equal Pay case in 1972.
Later, having been appointed the youngest ever Federal Judge, Mary determined a test case for maternity leave, allowing for a year's unpaid leave for all full-time and permanent part-time workers.
Mary Gaudron was a long-term member of our Inner West community, and her life story of public service and overcoming discrimination should be celebrated.
On a personal note, I knew Mary my whole life. She was one of the toughest and most staunch people you would ever hope to meet.
In keeping with her working-class upbringing, she was utterly down to earth and deeply irreverent.
Mary Gaudron remained deeply committed to the cause of social justice until the last days of her life.
Her legacy will be an inspiration to Australians who believe in equality for generations to come.
For media enquiries please contact Heath Gilmore, heath.gilmore@innerwest.nsw.gov.au