Ceremonial Sitting for Chief Justice Shanahan

On 30 January 2025, the Supreme Court of Tasmania held a formal ceremonial sitting to welcome the Honourable Chief Justice Christopher Shanahan. This occasion marked his appointment as the fifteenth Chief Justice, following the retirement of the Honourable Alan Blow AO.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished members of the judiciary, legal profession, and government, including the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, the Attorney-General, the Honourable Guy Barnett, and representatives of the Law Society and the Tasmanian Bar. The proceedings recognised Chief Justice Shanahan’s extensive legal career, his contributions to the legal community, and his vision for the role of the court in Tasmania’s justice system.

A Career Dedicated to the Law
Chief Justice Shanahan brings more than four decades of legal experience to his new role, having practised extensively in civil, commercial, criminal, and administrative law. His career has spanned private practice, academia, and public service, including significant contributions to legal education and advocacy training. His involvement with the Australian Bar Association’s advocacy training programs has been particularly notable, mentoring barristers across the country and advancing professional legal standards.

The ceremonial sitting highlighted his distinguished service in multiple jurisdictions, including his leadership at Murray Chambers in Western Australia, his tenure as a senior counsel, and his work in judicial and administrative roles. His background reflects a deep commitment to legal excellence, institutional accountability, and professional development – qualities that will shape his approach to leading Tasmania’s highest court.

A Vision for the Supreme Court
In his address, Chief Justice Shanahan spoke about the fundamental principles of judicial service: independence, fairness, and impartiality. He acknowledged the evolving challenges faced by the legal system, including increasing case volumes and the need for procedural efficiency. He emphasised the importance of engagement with the profession, open dialogue with stakeholders, and practical solutions to systemic pressures.

His Honour also recognised the need to support legal education and professional development within Tasmania, ensuring that young lawyers are well-equipped to contribute to the profession. He expressed a strong commitment to collaboration with the University of Tasmania and the broader legal community to cultivate future generations of legal practitioners.

Looking Ahead
As Chief Justice, his Honour will oversee the court’s operations while maintaining his judicial responsibilities. He noted that he will begin his tenure by presiding over criminal matters, given that criminal cases form a significant portion of the court’s workload. He also indicated plans to visit Launceston and Burnie to meet with legal professionals and court staff, reinforcing the importance of judicial engagement across Tasmania.

His appointment signals both continuity and renewal for the Supreme Court, with a focus on upholding the integrity of the justice system while addressing its evolving demands.

The full transcript of the ceremonial sitting can be accessed below.

Chief Justice Shanahan Ceremonial Sitting Transcript

View Ceremonial Sitting