’Overwhelming’ moment for first indigenous judge
SOMETIMES it is small things that say volumes about a person.
One of the most significant days in the history of the Queensland Courts came yesterday – recognition of the appointment of the state’s first indigenous judge.
New District Court Judge Nathan Jarro is only the second indigenous Australian to sit on the bench in the country, the first being Bob Bellear who served in the NSW District Court until 2005.
But despite politicians, lawyers, barristers and judges yesterday remarking on the historical significance of his appointment, Judge Jarro appeared deeply modest about what he described as “unnecessary praise” for his obvious achievement.
“It was overwhelming,” he said, of the “unexpectedly large” number of well-wishes he received when his appointment was announced. “My daughter Lily said: ‘Daddy, I didn’t realise you had so many friends’.”
The 40-year-old remarked it was those who had come before that allowed him to find his place on the bench.
“I recognise that I’m following the path of a growing number of indigenous Queensland judicial officers who have broken the glass ceiling,” Judge Jarro said during his welcoming ceremony yesterday.
He finished his address with a simple quote from a former High Court justice that described a judge’s role, irrespective of their background. It was a small sentiment that spoke volumes about how Judge Jarro perceives his historic appointment.
“The dominant characteristics of judges is their independence,” he said. “There is one duty to find the facts and apply to the law impartially and competently. There is one conscience to be satisfied; the judge’s own. There is one aspiration; to do justice according to law. A judge’s role is to serve the community and in a pivotal role administering justice according to law. I know my role gives me that opportunity and that is a privilege ...”
Judge Jarro grew up in Brisbane and identifies as “Ghangulu on his father’s side with connection to Bidjara on his mother’s side,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath yesterday explained to a packed courtroom.
“When his honour’s appointment to the District Court was announced, the Indigenous Lawyers Association called it ‘a greatly historic event’.”
Judge Jarro was sworn in earlier this year, alongside new Judge Michael Williamson, who was also welcomed by the court in the ceremony yesterday.