All of us at the AIIA were saddened to hear news of the passing on 29th October of The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE.

Sir Ninian Stephen was a Patron of the Institute in Victoria for many years, and his support and encouragement will be greatly missed.

A former Governor-General of Australia from 1982 to 1989, Sir Ninian was known for a life-long commitment to justice and the rule of law. He was an influential figure in international law, and his contribution stretched far beyond Australia, for example chairing the second phase of the Northern Ireland peace talks in 1992, and serving as a judge for the International Criminal Tribunal investigating war crimes in the former Yugoslavia. In his later years, he advised on South Africa’s Constitution. Our condolences go to Lady Stephen and the family.

He will be remembered in the name of the AIIA’s national headquarters in Canberra, Stephen House.