James Spigelman
James Spigelman | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1946 Sosnowiec, Poland |
| Occupation(s) | Jurist, judge |
| Years active | 1972–2020 |
| Known for | Chief Justice of New South Wales (1998–2011), Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales (1998–2012), Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2012–2017), Non-permanent judge on the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong (2013–2020) |
James Jacob Spigelman (born 1 January 1946) is a retired Australian jurist who held the position of Chief Justice of New South Wales between 1998 and 2011, and served as Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales from 1998 until 2012. From April 2013 until his early departure in September 2020, he acted as a non-permanent judge on the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong. Additionally, Spigelman chaired the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 2012 through 2017.
Early years and education
Originally from Sosnowiec, Poland, Spigelman emigrated to Australia in 1949. His schooling included Maroubra Public School and Sydney Boys High School. At the University of Sydney, he graduated with First-Class Honours in Government and Second-Class Honours (Division 1) in Economics. In 1971, he completed his law degree with First-Class Honours and was awarded the University Medal.
During his university years, Spigelman was actively involved in student governance, holding the office of President of the Students' Representative Council in 1969 and serving as Student Fellow on the University Senate from 1969 to 1971. He also contributed to organizing the 1965 Freedom Ride, which brought attention to Indigenous issues within New South Wales.
Early legal career
Spigelman gained admission as a solicitor in 1972. Between 1972 and 1975, he worked closely with Prime Minister Gough Whitlam as Senior Advisor and Principal Private Secretary. In 1975, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of the Media.
Although admitted to the NSW Bar in 1976, Spigelman commenced his barrister practice three years later. His career included participation on the Australian Law Reform Commission and experience abroad. His legal expertise primarily encompassed constitutional law, administrative law, and appellate litigation.
He achieved the rank of Queen's Counsel in 1986 and was appointed Solicitor-General of New South Wales in 1997.
Judicial career
On 25 May 1998, Premier Bob Carr appointed Spigelman as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and Lieutenant-Governor of NSW.
In 2008, Spigelman was considered a strong contender to replace Murray Gleeson as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, though ultimately the role was given to Robert French.
Spigelman declared his intention to resign as Chief Justice on 18 March 2011, effective from 31 May that year. Reflecting on his thirteen years on the bench, Sydney Morning Herald columnist David Marr commended his efforts to modernize the court system, rejuvenate judicial staff, and advocate for justice that is both efficient and value-oriented. Bret Walker SC highlighted Spigelman's emphasis on streamlined and cost-conscious legal procedures.
Upon retiring on 31 May 2011, he was succeeded by Tom Bathurst QC. Beyond New South Wales, Spigelman also served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Fiji.
In April 2013, he joined the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong as a non-permanent judge. Despite being reappointed through to 2022, he resigned prematurely in September 2020—marking him as the first foreign judge to do so—citing concerns regarding national security laws imposed by China that compromised judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Chairmanship at the ABC
On 8 March 2012, then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard appointed Spigelman as the chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), initiating a five-year tenure starting from 1 April 2012. His leadership concluded in March 2017, with Justin Milne taking over the role in April 2017.
Personal background
Spigelman is of Jewish heritage and the son of Holocaust survivors, Gustawa and Majloch, who are depicted in the graphic novel Maus authored by his cousin Art Spiegelman. Out of 72 relatives, his parents were among only 15 who survived. The family name was originally Szpiegelman before being altered to Spigelman following their immigration to Australia after World War II.
Together with his brothers, Mark and Allan Spigelman, he has been acknowledged for their noteworthy impact on Australian society after their family's survival story.
He is married to Alice Spigelman AM, an author and clinical psychologist. Her leadership roles include directorships at The Benevolent Society, UNHCR, Bundanon Trust, NIDA, Australian Institute of Music, and the Rural Leadership Program. She currently chairs Sculpture by the Sea and has served on its board since 2010.
Involvement in community leadership
Spigelman’s commitment to the arts is reflected through numerous prominent positions:
- Chairman of Film Finance Corporation Australia Ltd from 1990 to 1992
- Chair of the National Library of Australia Council since 2010
- Deputy Chairman at the Art Gallery of New South Wales between 1983 and 1988
- President of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences from 1995 to 1998
- Council Member of the National Gallery of Australia during 1995–1998
- Board Member for the Brett Whiteley Foundation from 1995 to 1998
- Councillor at the Australian Film Television and Radio School between 1975 and 1978
Awards and distinctions
- In 2000, Justice Spigelman was honoured as a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia for his leadership in legal reform and dedication to community service, particularly supporting visual arts.
- The following year, he was awarded a Centenary Medal acknowledging his service to Australian society.
- He has received honorary doctorates from both the University of Sydney (Doctor of Laws, 2004) and Macquarie University (Doctor of Letters, 2012).