On 15 October 2026, the Honourable Ray Finkelstein AO KC addressed how courts work out what the words of a statute mean.
His Honour concluded that the historical approaches “have been merged”: the plain meaning of the text should govern, but in cases of doubt, words are read in their total context and as Parliament intended.
Thank you to all who attended.
The 2026 Queensland Chapter Alexander Christy Freeleagus Oration
Delivered by the Hon. Anthe Philippides in Brisbane, this year’s topic is "4000 Years of the Greek Language and its Cultural Impact".
When: 4 November 2026, from 5.30pm – 6:30pm, followed by drinks and canapés
Where: Clayton Utz, Level 28, Riparian Plaza, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Tickets: This is a free event, but please register your attendance by clicking the button below.
Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, 26 November 2026
Time: 6:00 PM AEDST
In Person Location: Law Institute Victoria, Level 13, 140 William Street, Melbourne
Online Participation: Members unable to attend in person can join via Zoom (or a similar platform). Access details will be sent closer to the date.
Elections will be conducted to fill the executive positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as representative positions for each of the 8 state/territory chapters.
Join HAL's Western Australian Chapter for a special lecture with Dr Kevin O’Toole, on "The Separation of Powers: from Athens to the Federalist Papers".
Discover the influence of Ancient Greek and Roman political philosophy on the development of democratic ideas and the thinking of the “Founding Fathers” who shaped the American Constitution.
DATE: 2pm, Sunday 8 November 2026
WHERE: Castellorizian House, 160 Anzac Road, Mt Hawthorn, WA
RSVP: George Georgiou, Chapter Chair, HAL (WA) at philmo@iinet.net.au
The Hon. Anthe Philippides Appointed National Patron of HAL
The Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL) is delighted to announce that The Honourable Anthe Philippides SC has been appointed as the new National Patron of HAL.
Her Honour succeeds HAL’s inaugural National Patron, The Honourable Chris Kourakis AC SC, whose exceptional leadership and guidance have shaped the Association since its launch in 2014. HAL extends its deepest gratitude to His Honour for his outstanding service and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.
Please join us in warmly welcoming her Honour to her new role as National Patron.
SAVE THE DATE
VIC: 2026 "Observations from the Bench"
The end of year "Observations from the Bench" will be delivered by his Honour Magistrate Costas Killias.
Where: The Offices of Kalus Kenny Intelex in Melbourne.
When: 5:30pm Thursday, 3 December 2026.
REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON!
About HAL
The Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL) comprises Australian lawyers, judicial officers, law students and others who have a Hellenic background, or if not of Hellenic background, are philhellenes.
HAL was launched in Victoria in 2014 and now has Chapters in every Australian state and territory.
HAL National Patron The Honourable Anthe Philippides SC
HAL Chapters in each state and territory hold regular events featuring eminent jurists and scholars.
Join or Renew
HAL provides opportunities for members, associate members and friends of HAL to engage in professional activities in an environment that celebrates Hellenic ideals.
It offers a forum to share ideas and knowledge with others, promote cultural harmony and diversity, and advance the legal profession.