The 2019 Mason Conversation featured the Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC in conversation with Professor George Williams AO.
The Mason Conversation is a series named in honour of Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE GBM marking his outstanding generosity and contribution over decades to the University of New South Wales. As well as a distinguished career in the law, including as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia (1987-95), Sir Anthony was the fifth Chancellor of the University of New South Wales between 1994 and 1999 and the inaugural Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law.
About the speaker
The Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC is a former justice of the High Court of Australia.
McHugh was first admitted to the New South Wales Bar back in 1961. He was appointed Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1973 and was Vice President of the New South Wales Bar Association, 1978–81, and later as President, 1981–83. He was appointed as a Judge of Appeal of the New South Wales Court of Appeal on 30 October 1984.
McHugh was appointed as a judge of the High Court in February 1989. He held this position until October 2005, and was the Acting Chief Justice for various periods between 1999-2005. After he retired from the High Court, McHugh was appointed as one of the Non-Permanent Justices of the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong, a position also held by Sir Anthony Mason. McHugh currently practises as an independent mediator and arbitrator at Eleven Wentworth in Sydney.
