Mary Gaudron, first female judge of Australia’s high court, dies aged 83

Mary Gaudron, Australia's first female judge of the High Court, passed away at the age of 83. Appointed to the High Court in 1987, she served until 2003. Gaudron's groundbreaking appointment in 1987 marked a significant milestone as the first woman to hold such a position. Throughout her tenure, she played a pivotal role in landmark cases, including the Mabo v Queensland native title case.

Her decision in Mabo v Queensland referred to Aboriginal dispossession as "the darkest aspect of the history of this country". Gaudron's career began in 1972 when she became the first woman appointed to the NSW Bar Council. Her advocacy for equal pay led to a successful case before the conciliation and arbitration commission in 1974.

She later served as deputy president of the commission and presided over a test case for maternity leave. After leaving the High Court, Gaudron worked with the International Labour Organization in Geneva and became president of its administrative tribunal. Gaudron's legacy continues to inspire generations of Australians, particularly women, to pursue careers in law and public service.