Guest Book

Comments (21)

GERARD HYNES- May 23, 2019 11:21 AM
Dear Michael, My Mum gave me A Private Life for my birthday in 2012, after first year Law. Many of your sentiments have resonated with me ever since. In another life, I lived in Hamburg, Germany. I was a big admirer of John Lennon, had read many books, saw many films and listen to all the music, many times. I went to St Pauli and visited the Reeperbahn on my first day (and night) in town and many times there after. The obvious attractions of the place seemed to pass me by, as i ventured to share a place with someone who had been a significant part of my life, and with whom I experienced so many intimate moments, but whom I had never actually met or personally known--i felt i did! I had never revisited those feeling until i read your book. Thank you.
Peter Tatchell- Feb 13, 2019 10:20 PM
Dear Michael and Johan Congratulations on your marriage. May you have many more years of happiness together. Warmest wishes, Peter Tatchell, London
Anita Gardner- Feb 12, 2019 05:56 PM
Dear Sir, The first comment on this guestbook talks of the long fight for marriage equality. What a wonderful milestone your recent wedding to the long time love of your life must be. Congratulations! Thank you for all you have done speak up for human rights and to work towards equality for all. This milestone is a reminder that the road might be long, but the destination is worth the effort, and barriers can be overcome. Today is a happy day. I hope we meet again one day. Anita
Matthew Goode- Feb 12, 2019 04:24 PM
My warmest congratulations to you and Johan on your nuptials. Mazeltov!
Henry Heuzenroeder- Feb 11, 2019 08:04 PM
Heartfelt congratulations, Judge, to you and Johan on the occasion of your marriage. I just read about it on the ABC: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-11/michael-kirby-marries-partner-50-years-after-first-meeting/10800442 A great day for you both, and a great day of symbolism for equality in Australia! Henry Heuzenroeder, (Adelaide barrister).
Peter Watson,OBL.OSB- Nov 11, 2017 06:40 PM
Best wishes on yet another well-deserved distinction. May you have health and happiness in abundance through the unfolding years. PW
Anthony c- Jun 11, 2017 03:10 PM
Dear Justice Kirby, In my first address to you regarding government decisions & lack thereof, with regard to the proposed referendum for gay marriage. I made reference to BREXIT & the implications which followed, today we can reaffirm that the UK government of the day, led by Miss T. May Prime Minister went to the electorate 3 years early ( before the end of the natural term in office), to capitalise on a 20 point advantage according to the polls only to find a backlash, reduced majority & a possible minority government, complications & increased political negotiations. Yes, its true this was not a referendum, but a government election is giving people choice & enormous power to make decisions, similarly this transpires in expensive referendums. Numerous questions need to be addressed in the delivery, execution & architecture of referendum questions, the consequences can lead to increased fractures in our social fabric, tolerance & way of life today & for future generations. Governments expend too much time on the gaining of power & political safety in order to cultivate & maintain it. The result is very clear, its dangerous!! Make decisions for the betterment of the country which demonstrate equality & humanity without fear, prejudice or political bias, that's what the parliament is for... I wish they would take note & listen to your wisdom & experience Justice Kirby, I certainly do. I'm not gay, just human & a proud family man in the search for equality. Mr. Kirby you are the pinnacle example of the consummate professional & humanitarian that has contributed enormously to our ethos & surmounted your success via an illustrious career in the legal profession & beyond. That's what is & should be paramount not sexuality. Thanks for inspiring me everyday in everyway!!
Rita- Jun 07, 2017 11:14 AM
Every judgement that I read from you convinces me that there is still a place for justice in Australian law, even if only in dissent. Your courage is such an inspiration. Thank you.
Brie Sloggett- May 18, 2017 04:13 AM
Hello Justice Kirby, I recently heard your broadcast from la Trobe university on abc radio. I was very impressed with this conversation. The highlight for me was speaking out about equality of sexuality and race as compared to the normal political opinion. Thankyou for a great interview, Brie Sloggett
Pru O'Dea- Mar 25, 2017 03:36 AM
Sir, having just seen you on ABC....I must tell you that you stand among the very few Australians who make me proud to be so. You have weathered many storms that we can only imagine. Your dignity and humour are inspirational
BP- Mar 08, 2017 04:06 PM
I'm surprised to find that there's a place on your website for people to 'sign' the guestbook but I'm even more surprised to find that there are only three comments! I had hoped to find dates for any upcoming speaking engagements that I might be able to attend but this is perhaps even better. From learning about 'the great dissenter' in high school legal studies to being a university law student today, Michael Kirby has been a personal childhood role model of mine along with Nancy Wake, the Sparrow Force, and The Secret Seven gang (esteemed company, I know). I've also come to appreciate your High Court judgments - the clarity with which they're presented is a gift to law students!
Reg Kirby- Nov 20, 2016 09:31 PM
My daughter just sent me a photo of the Kirby Institute, interesting. Do you know anything of your ancestors in England?
Christie Anna Ozorio- Oct 13, 2016 01:10 AM
Dear Judge Kirby, It was an honour to hear you speak tonight at the opening of the Kaliedoscope Pacific Youth Forum. As a current juris doctor student, I model myself and hope others model themselves on you, particularly in your engagement with non-legal issues, such as animal welfare and LGBTI rights. As a LGBTI-identifying person, thank you for your work. As an Australian, thank you for your work. Hopefully I can meet you in person one day soon. Best wishes, Christieanna
Sharlene Kurupp...- Sep 08, 2016 10:37 PM
Dear Sir, I would like to thank you for showing that anyone can succeed in a career in law. I went to public school and I am always inspired by your career because I know if you can do it so can I. I want to be lawyer that advocates for their clients. I also want to provide pro bono assistance when I get experience in a specific practice area. You have paved the way for many people entering the legal profession and you have the set the bar high.
Nigel Davidson- Aug 31, 2016 01:27 PM
Dear Sir, it is my great honour to be starting out as a barrister at the Chambers which bears your name in Hobart, Tasmania. I have just returned to my hometown from overseas, where I was was working with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, in a legal capacity, since 2007. Wishing you well in your ongoing efforts to champion the cause of human rights in Australia and internationally. Kind regards, Nigel.
Allison Murchie- Aug 29, 2016 03:04 PM
I listened to your interview on ABC Radio talking about the plebiscite for gay marriage and that is the most balanced and sensible commentary I have heard to date. A vote in parliament is the only way to make gay marriage legal. It should have happened many years ago, it is a basic human right right and should be treated as such.
Neil Mitchell- Aug 26, 2016 11:03 PM
Thank you Michael Kirby for speaking out regarding the proposed plebiscite. You spoke clearly and passionately and I recognised your experience of not feeling included (at school) as a student with regard to emerging sexual orientation. I applaud you and want you to know you are an inspiration to generations of LGBTQI people.
Anthony- Aug 25, 2016 01:42 PM
Dear Mr. Kirby, Given your extensive experience in the law, UN. & Humanetarian issues for which you actively participate & contribute. It would be refreshing if government took notice of your sound advice, experience & knowledge. A great start would be the abolition of a plebiscite for gay marriage & a government prepared to make a decision on this issue, after all I thought that's what governments are elected to do. It appears superannuation reforms which affect retirees to save government money are budget priorities, however $160m for this referendum are considered acceptable. Careful with referendums, the most recent "brexit" event is a case In point. Thanks Mr. Kirby.
Paul Hassing- Aug 23, 2016 07:36 AM
Dear Sir, I just wanted to say how grateful I am that Australia is not yet bereft of wise people like you. I've long admired your pronouncements and compassion and my only sadness is that hearts and minds like yours seem so rare these days. Thank you for giving me hope that we, as a nation, may yet transcend the darkness that impends. Kindest regards, P.
Anonymous- Jul 11, 2016 10:55 AM
Dear Michael I have heard a lot about you and your reputation as good federal judge . I must admit I do not know much about you , only what I have heard in media or very little of it. After watching a couple of your video speeches , to my absolute amazement , I have learnt how ""very good human being "" you are. You relate to common citizens with such practicality and enlightment, if only you could open up a law and lecture school and I would come to it so attentively ,, committed and with great enthusiasm. You are a great inspiratory and motivator and a very decent human being
Karen Groeneveld- Jun 29, 2016 10:09 AM
Dear Mr Kirby, I've just finished reading Daryl Dellora's book, and loved it! Lent to me by a friend, I initially felt honour-bound to read it, but quickly found myself completely caught up and engaged in your story. It brought home to me how short are our political memories (at least, I suspect, for the ordinary Australian) - Although I worked in Canberra throughout (and prior to and beyond) the Howard era, and was enraged at the time by many of his government's policies and the incidents Dellora's book recalled, sad to say, they had faded from my mind. Lest we forget... Keep up the good fight. I would be interested to know your views about the value of a plebicite on gay marriage in this country and on the labor Party's suggestion that they would block such a plebicite. I'd be interested to know how you think we might proceed to secure the right to gay marriage in this country? Kind regards Karen
 
 

Michael Kirby has been elected Patron of QTOPIA alongside Ita Buttrose AC OBE.

QTOPIA will launch Sydney’s gay museum.