InBrief

Chris Ronalds SC was made an officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) in Friday's Australia Day Honours list, for "distinguished service to the law and the legal profession, particularly in supporting, mentoring and developing the careers of Indigenous lawyers and law students".

President Arthur Moses SC congratulated her, saying: "Chris has been tireless in her efforts over the last fifteen years in assisting Indigenous law students and lawyers and she has displayed great leadership in her voluntary roles as chair of the Bar Association’s Indigenous Barristers’ Working Party, principal Trustee of the Indigenous Barristers’ Trust (also known as the Mum Shirl Fund), and as a member of the Law Council of Australia’s Indigenous Legal Issues Committee. She has been instrumental in initiating and progressing numerous activities on behalf of the Association, which are aimed specifically at assisting Indigenous law students and lawyers."

Ms Ronalds was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1994 for "service to women, particularly in the area of anti-discrimination and affirmative action".

Other members of the New South Wales Bar Association were recognised.

Geoffrey Robertson QC was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for "distinguished service to the law and the legal profession as an international human rights lawyer and advocate for global civil liberties, and to legal education as an academic and publisher".

The Hon Richard Edmonds SC was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the judiciary, particularly through the Federal Court of Australia, to revenue and taxation law, and to the legal profession.

Garth Blake SC was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Anglican Church of Australia, particularly to child protection policy and professional standards, and to the law.