Fiji’s judiciary has welcomed Sir Robert Shenton French AC as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
His affirmation ceremony was held at the State House today before the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
In attendance were Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu.
Sir Robert served as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia from September 2008 until January 2017, following more than two decades as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia.
He will now serve as a Visiting Judge of Fiji’s Supreme Court while continuing his roles as an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court and Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts.
His extensive legal career includes appointments as President of the National Native Title Tribunal, Deputy President of the Australian Competition Tribunal, and part-time member of the Australian Law Reform Commission.
He previously served as a non-resident member of Fiji’s Supreme Court between 2003 and 2008.
Academically, Sir Robert is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia Law School, Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, Adjunct Professor at Monash University Law School, and Professorial Fellow at Melbourne University.
A graduate of the University of Western Australia with degrees in physics and law, Sir Robert was appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2010 for eminent service to the judiciary and law. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the depth and expertise of Fiji’s Supreme Court bench.