William Deane

Sir William Patrick Deane (born 4 January 1931) is an Australian lawyer and judge. He served as the 22nd Governor-General of Australia, in office from 1996 to 2001.[1] He was appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1977, and later that year was also appointed to the Federal Court of Australia. He was a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1982 to 1995.


Sir William Deane
William Deane cropped.jpg
22nd Governor-General of Australia
In office
16 February 1996 – 29 June 2001
MonarchElizabeth II
Prime MinisterPaul Keating
John Howard
Preceded byBill Hayden
Succeeded byPeter Hollingworth
Justice of the High Court of Australia
In office
25 June 1982 – 11 November 1995
Nominated byMalcolm Fraser
Preceded byNinian Stephen
Succeeded byMichael Kirby
Personal details
Born (1931-01-04) 4 January 1931 (age 92)
Melbourne, Victoria
Spouse(s)Helen Russell
Children2
Alma materUniversity of Sydney
ProfessionBarrister
Judge

Deane had a low profile during his five-year term, having no major constitutional issues, but did become notice by the global scale by officially opening the 2000 Summer Olympics.[2][3]

Deane was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 10 August 1982, a few weeks after being appointed to the High Court.

William Deane Media

References

  1. "2001 Sir William Deane AC KBE". sydneypeacefoundation.org. Sydney Peace Foundation. 2001. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  2. PM agrees to allow GG to open the Olympics, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 11 November 1999
  3. Howard explains Olympics backflip, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 11 November 1999

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