InBrief

Statement from President Arthur Moses SC

Dear members and colleagues

It has been an honour and a great privilege to serve as President of the New South Wales Bar Association during 2017-18. After careful consideration, I have made the decision not to stand for re-election this month.

I have been humbled by the trust that you have placed in me and what we have achieved together over the last eighteen months. I am acutely aware of the great privilege and responsibility that comes with serving the New South Wales Bar. With every decision that came across my desk, I have always strived to act in the best interests of members and the Bar. This decision has been no different. I have decided to announce it at this time so that there is transparency and accountability before the time for nominations close on 8 October 2018.

From 1 January I will be taking up the position of President of the Law Council of Australia. I am pleased to be able to continue to serve the Australian legal profession in this new capacity. However, I believe it is in the best interests of the New South Wales Bar for me to step aside at this election to provide an opportunity for others to take up leadership of the Association while I serve in the office of President of the Law Council of Australia.

As the oldest and largest independent Bar in this country, I could not be more proud of the sterling standard of service, advocacy and citizenship that the New South Wales Bar continues to represent. Please be assured I will work with our next president to ensure a smooth transition.

I encourage all members to take every opportunity to be involved in the life and leadership of the Association to ensure that it continues to reflect the views of its members and remains a powerful voice for the administration of justice and the public good. The ballot for nominations to Bar Council closes at 4pm on Monday 8 October. I encourage any member who is of the view that she or he can contribute to the important and difficult work of the Bar Council to nominate.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the current members of the Executive: Tim Game SC , Andrew Bell SC, Anna Mitchelmore and Sophie Callan. I have been very grateful for their selfless work, wise counsel and friendship. I could not have discharged my duties without each of them. I also pay tribute to the Bar Councillors of 2017 and 2018 for their tireless service, contribution and advice, as well as the many members who have graciously given of their time and expertise to assist myself and the Association.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Association’s Executive Director Professor Greg Tolhurst for his leadership,dedication and counsel, and the staff of the Bar Association for their enthusiasm, professionalism and hard work.

I wish all candidates well and thank them for offering their service to the Bar. I look forward to working with the new President of the New South Wales Bar Association to serve our profession and the administration of justice. In the interim, I will continue to devote my energies as President until a new President is elected.