Governor gets her gong

TASMANIAN Governor Kate Warner is an inspirational Australian who has committed herself to the community over many years, an awards investiture in Canberra has heard.

The Governor was invested as a Companion of the Order of Australia at Government House in the nation’s capital yesterday, receiving her medal from Governor-General, General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Professor Warner was named in this year’s Australia Day honours for service to Tasmania through contributions to the legal community, particularly to law reform, to higher education as an academic, researcher and publisher, and as a supporter of the arts, and environmental and social justice initiatives.

Introducing Professor Warner at yesterday’s ceremony, Order of Australia Council Secretary Mark Fraser said she was most deserving of “our nation’s highest recognition and gratitude”.

“She is widely respected for her infectious enthusiasm and exceptional contributions to the law,” he said. “It is no exaggeration to say that she has taught over half of Tasmania’s lawyers.

“Additionally, she has championed a range of charitable organisations and actively encourages others to recognise the importance of giving back to our nation.”

Presenting the award, Governor-General Cosgrove said he found it interesting that the Professor Warner was founder of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute and was involved for many years until the time she became governor.

“You have been a huge contributor to the broader topic of law reform across the Commonwealth,” he said.

“In that regard you come from not only helping to create new generations of lawyers but also to have the law itself put under that healthy microscope we enjoy in Australia. We all know that you have been a wonderfully active and very responsible Governor of your state.”