Could I just make one more comment? You can incorporate it with the first if you like. I meant to say there are two people I admire most in Australia's history. One is Mother Mary MacKillop - ok, I can't help myself, after all I was taught by the Josephite nuns. The other is Justice Michael Kirby, who I think is one of the finest Australians in any walk of life. All the best.

Watched Compass on Sunday night, it brought back a lot of memories both bad and good. Bad - Bill Heffernan. Good - the fine person that you are. I worked with your Dad for many years, we had many great conversations. The program reminded me of one of two reasons why I dislike John Howard so much. The other reason is one you won't agree with - I am a staunch republican. I can remember that's one of the things your Dad and I often used to discuss, but always in a spirit of friendship. I am Catholic but enjoy reading John Shelby Spong and Marcus Borg, both of whom opened my eyes to the folly of scriptural literalness. Happy retirement. Please write a book!

We have all been blessed by your contribution to our lives by your work as High Court judge, your writing about law and justice and by your life. The Compass program was a wonderful celebration of this.
Bill Stringer

The 'Compass' program, whilst providing interest by seeing your partner speak, did not do you enough justice Mr Kirby! It was far too much of the boring stuff and banal platitudes us Kirby followers have all seen before ad nauseam; and it has been over 12 months since you hung up your robes ... ie my unwittingly frank mother wanted to know why all the focus was on your sexuality and that certain parliamentary matter. The new, ever-evolving Mr Michael Kirby is what matters now - out with the old and on with the new, that's what is interesting!

It has been wonderful to have you in the legal system - it gave us heart that there could possibly be justice or even mercy. I know this is a bit of a big ask but is there any chance that we could talk to you about how to get justice for the children who are being badly affected by the process and outcomes of family law?

We've just formed a group JUSTICE for CHILDREN and don't have a website yet but we do meet every other Saturday in Sydney and we have put in submissions and stories to the ALRC and sent a letter to AG PM and other pollies asking them to adopt the recommendations of the Chisholm Report tanto subito - if not before. I know you're very busy and in demand but these kids really need help that only someone like you who knows about the law and cares about humans can give.
All the best Ariel 02 9326 2960

Dear Michael. I heard (and saw) you speak in Sydney in 2002 and was astonished at the clarity and humanity of your message. When I returned to Canada, I spoke to may people about you but this Compass presentation of your life in law and as a proud Australian who seeks for justice and truth was truly moving. Your question of how we will be judged by the decisions that we make today are timely. I am teaching summer school here in Canada in a few weeks and if I can navigate the complicated maze that ABC puts us forigners through to see its programming, I would be delighted to introduce you to my students. We are very proud of Madam Louise Arbour in Canada but it is time for us to meet some other heroes of justice and truth. Enjoy your retirement.

congrats on the compass program . i have always admired you but after watching the show now even more so. yours and Yohanns love and the dignity with which you both live your lives is an example to us all. you are a very very GREAT australian

I was absolutely riveted to Compass, having always admired your innate decency and compassion. And Johan! A deadpan, humourous glint in his eye revealing a wicked sense of humour. Your dear old Dads immense pride brought a tear to my eye. Wishing you and Johan many years of healthy and happy retirement.

The future depends on what we do in the present.
Keep up the good work.

Yeoman Bedell Sydney Uni

Justice Kirby, your efforts to overcome the many injustices that afflict Australia society are laudable and Australians should be supportive of a person such as you who is willing to stand up for these principles at great personal cost.

One can only acknowledge and condemn unjust discrimination of any person on the grounds of sexual orientation, colour, creed, relgion or other characteristic.

However, to confuse or conflate person and behaviour is not conducive to clear analysis.

It is suprising that speeches on your site evidence some ignorance of the fundamental bases of Christian theology (especially Catholic and orthodox) and the logical conclusions of the explanations you offer:

A key one that stands out is "in considering notions such as chastity, virginity, monogamy and the like, religion must face, with clear insight, the truth of human conduct in the here and now. It must accept that chastity is not a path suitable to most human beings, certainly those in modern societies where they are daily bombarded by sexual messages of temptation and fantasy".

The implication (if not, assertion) that because something is difficult or very diffcult (or for that matter, impossible for humans by themselves) it is to be ignored, is quite remarkable, particuarly given the Biblical exhortations about the need to rely on the grace of God in order to do His will instead of our own.

As the Dominican scholar Benedict Ashley has put it: "We must remove [the] ambiguity in the subjective approach to apologetics by firmly asserting that the evidences for the truth of Christianity...must be established in a genuinely objective manner. They are valid or invalid independently of whether they provide an answer for my life felt needs or not. Of course such objective facts are of serious concern for my life projects and this motivates me to explore their implications...So also the truth of Christian doctrine is independent of whether anyone accepts and lives it or not. Living it may provide evidence, but it is the objective evdience, not the subjective experience that is decisive. To cover over this necessity of objective credibility in apologetics by the rhetoric of 'life' and 'experience' and 'hope' is to apear dishonest to unbelievers and to confirm their worst suspicions" (p299, Ashley, Benedct: "Choosing a World View and Value System:an Ecumenical Apologetics).

Equally disappointing is the kind of rhetoric employed (including unhelpful labellings) of the teachings of the Catholic Church and Orthodox churches that contribute to the very sort of vilification you (rightly) seem to condemn when directed at others or their points of view.

A key concern is whether this kind of language will lead to the kind of derision that will effectively silence those of an alternative point of view.

You ask - very sensibly - in the Compass program who will be the next groups on end of discrimination and disadvantage over the next 30 - 40 years. One would have to ask whether it's not right there: those whose sincere and defensible religious convictions are a contradicton to the spirit of the times and the prevailing ideologies accepted more or less as more enlightened, but which need to be as questioned just as much as any other. I hope that a certain anti-Catholicism and anti-Orthodoxy is not the outcome in 30 or 40 years time. We actually need people like you to fight against that.

You said to me "There are many things I dont understand".......St.Francis of Assisi.."To understand as to be understood"

Trinian

A wonderful Compass - congratulations and honour is due to your courage, compassion and clarity. Best wishes to you both, jane

One of the greatest decisions of Paul Keating as PM was to appoint you to the HCA. The legal community in Australia and all the post you served during your long legal career were all left all the better because you served. As well as all the other things you did the world is a better place. Thank you.

Just watched the Compass program about you on ABC and also aware of your foreword to Anthony Venn Brown's biography. I appreciate your contribution and I also appreciate Johann.

I have not had the chance to see tonight's Compass but the twitterfeed from those that did makes it a certainty later. Two words from herein on will do. Thank You

On the ABC's Compass program last night, you addressed an audience at Sydney University and asked them to consider what might be the big issue, two or three decades from now, that would make them ask "how could we not see?" That issue surely is the right of a disabled person, of sound mind, a quadriplegic, cancer or AIDS sufferer to die with dignity, at a time when they choose. I ask you to think, what would be your choice?

Thank you Geraldine Doogue for hosting a Compass documentary aired on ABC about an inspiraitonal citizen of contemporary Australia and the world.

I have not had the privilege of attending a gathering at which the Honourable Michael Kirby had spoken. Rather I was waiting for what I thought woud be the highlight of my evening, the much publicised 2010 World Cup match between England and Germany. Suffice to say that the highlight of my evening was not that match, but chancing upon the documentary as it was aired on Compass.

To Hon. Michael Kirby, we are looking on with anticipation for the contribution you will continue to make to society, that which we will know of as your personal legacy.

Dear Michael,
you are the perfect role model for everyone who is working in law and human rights today. You have the style, compassion, eloquence and clarity that is lacking in so many. Congratulations and all the best in your retirement.
Kind regards,
Tony Murtagh

Loving the doco on ABC1 ... all those achievements and Who Weekly 25 most beautiful! Most deserved. Thanks for everything.
Dale

Dear Michael Kirby, I have foloowed your life on and off for many years but I want to express my admiration for the courage and conviction of you and your partner Johan, taking part in the Compass program this evening. I remembered all the debarcle from Senator Heffernan and thought how homophic he was.
Blessings to you for your continued lives together and no doubt your input into improving the lot of the less privileged.
Patricia Neild

Love your work Michael Kirby.

Many years ago (1987) my dear friend, barrister Peter Phelan, was promoted to Judge (NSW) and
I recall asking if there was a special "school for Judges" between "the Bar" and the "Bench" ?
"No, ol' tiger" he said. "Dirty dogs don't win...!"
"that's all any of us need to know!" Since that time
I've often thought of Pete's words, especially when
privy to reports of many of the matters you have faced over many years. Well done Sir! Bob Mc

Sir,

Whereas I admire your stellar career achievements I still feel somewhat unsure that a retired High Court judge should play such a strong hand in the attempt to change social policy in this country.

Intellectual arguments and theorizing to one side, I am unconvinced that the instinctive and emotional natures of us humans can be 'adjusted' to live within the constructs of a 'reasonable society'.

Regards,
D. Braybrooke.

Dear Sir,

I had the honour of being in attendance at your address to the Newcastle Business Club on 22 June 2010. Your insights into your career and memorable cases were inspirational. I love the tag line of don't forget the justice bit.

All the best in the future.

Kind Regards

Michael,

Thank you for visiting Newcastle on 22 June 2010 and your challenging radio and Business Club presentations, very much appreciated.

Best wishes for the future.

Grant

Thankyou for being an inspiration to my daughter Tara Dinslage who is studying 3rd year Law at Macquarie Uni.
Thankyou for your wonderful service to Australia and its people.

I saw the film "Michael Kirby- Don't forget The Justice Bit' here in Adelaide last Friday & I just wanted to say how inspiring I found your story. My best wishes to you & Johan in your wonderful relationship.

Kind Regards

Jean John

Hello Mr Kirby,

After watching 'Don't forget the justice bit', I was quiet surprised to see that I am going through the same feelings of what you described yourself feeling during your 20's. I am currently 21 and on the pathway of studying to be a lawyer and can I say that you are a true inspiration to me. I feel I am surrounded by people who think the law is boring and against society but hearing you say that it's not put a big smile on my face! I have a passion for the law which allows me to stay awake case after case, unlike some of those Judges and Jury members that are caught playing Sudoku or taking a quick Court-nap.

I would just like to thank you for being who you are, and what a great inspiration you have been to my life!

Congratulations on being awarded the Gruber Justice Prize!!

In your interview with Damien Carrick (ABC, The Law Report) on the 3rd of February last year you were labeled as 'The Great Dissenter' and in your response you said that there is no doubt that students like you judgement and the was you set the out. As a law student I have to agree with that statement. I often get excited when I hear my lecturers say "... and Justice Kirby dissented in this case". I often find myself agree with your views and looking forward to reading cases you have judged. Thank you for being such an inspiration and all the best for the future.

Prudence

Sir Michael Kirby,
I would like you to know, that to me, you are an incredible man. Your career history supports this, you have a passion and you live it in your everyday life.
I am currently working on an paper for a course I am to complete at the end of this year. I reference to you through out the whole essay. Its an argumentative essay, " should same sex marriage be legalized?". my contention: yes!
Your papers and speech transcripts have helped me immensely to better under stand all that is involved in such a contentious topic.
thank you again, so much.

I was once sitting in a law lecture where Justice Kirby was speaking. I hardly would have thought at that time he would notice anything except a room of budding law students to follow in the league of those before. Consequently I was right Mr Kirby you did not notice. I listened though and that was what mattered to me.

Hi Michael
Congratulations on your award of the Gruber Justice Prize recently. I was particularly moved by your acknowledgement of your partner: "There is also probably a need for a special Gruber Prize for the spouses and partners of Gruber Prize winners.My partner of 41 years, Johan van Vloten, definitely deserves a prize for putting up with me. Probably the Victoria Cross."
You are a true living Australian treasure that we can all be proud of.

Good to see your still making your valued mark

Thank you for sharing your time, insights and comments with the 5th IWG World Conference in Sydney. I very much enjoyed your remarks. -Nicole

Sir, you rock!!

THANK YOU.

At 33 I am in the 1st year of my law degree. I have found your opinions and judgments great to read, you were and still are light years ahead of your piers, here is hoping they catch up sooner rather than later.

Hi Michael =)

I've been a fan of yours for such a long time and I can't wait to hear you speak at TEDx Sydney.

Best of luck, you are one of the truly great Australians.

Kirsten

You say in Background Briefing: "The lives of millions of Australians were touched by Whitlam and his government. After Whitlam, it can truly be said, Australia was. . "

Your account of the legislation of Gough Whitlam makes evident the importance for democracy of the public knowing what politicians do (which is not nothing as most people believe), and the laws made in their name.

The press should keep a record – to help make newspapers worth buying – and the parliaments’ web-pages should also present a record, with a brief explanation of what each Act is aimed at.
I hope people will support these necessary actions.
I had no idea of the extent of Whitlam's legislation.

Inspirational!

I really dont have a lot to say, I would however just like to express my appreciation

Mr Kirby, I have not been a huge fan to date, however, I am an FSHS oldboy, and, while in the C'wealth public service I have come across admirers of yours. You are an advocate for the rights of gay people and I observe the rare opportunity that your position affords. In 1998 my partner died of AIDS and I lost my home and the precious memories of a person I cherished were irrevocably altered by a legal system which dispossessed me of rights I took for granted. I hope you can challenge the "legal" system (or systems) which allow(s) a situation whereby someone like myself can be accused of being violent, lose access to the most important person in their life and subsequently be left with no right of recourse (save questioning their lovers' sanity or integrity) at a time when they are at their emotionally most vulnerable.

As a law student, I tremendously enjoy reading your judgments (even when I do not understand them). I love the way you write, you're the only judge who has made reading law judgments seem less like a law studies obligation.

Thank you and all the best

Dear Justice Kirby,

I am awestruck by your web-site and your achievements in life.

I am delighted you will be giving the keynote speech at tomorrow's conference. I just hope it ends up on this site as a pod-cast.

Cheers Professor Kerry Carrington

Justice Kirby, as a then gay high school student, your gracious response to Bill Heffernan amazed me by its graciousness. As an aspiring law student who had attended public schools you provided me with inspiration. As a law student your judgments consistently exuded compassion and eloquence. Now upon your retirement, I wish you all the best. You have truly been a role model to many a young gay and lesbian and many a law student.

Whenever I read a high court judgement with the K-train on it I think HELL YEAH! You kept it so real you inspired me to work even harder!

- J-Boss

Dear Judge,
Thank you for your website. Your speech about HIV/AIDS at my university was very well received last year and I hope you can return to make another speech.
Kindest regards,
Grant Bailey
Casual Lecturer,
School of Law,
University of Western Sydney

Dear Michael and Johan, we were very glad to meet you both at the vernissage of Ross Watson. We visited Johan at your house on March 1st. 2010.
After our lunch with Johan in the Sydney Tower we visited your new office at Macquarie Street.
You are welcome in our house in Holland.
Greetings Bart & Age

At the end of last year, I heard you on the radio being interviewed by Latika Bourke and was happy to hear you say that one of your New Year Resolutions was to start using Twitter.
I just want to say that I'm so pleased that you have signed up with Twitter. You now need to send your first tweet - don't worry it doesn't have to be too profound - and it can't be any worse than Tony Abbott's first tweet.
Anyway, I have left a few tweets welcoming you to twitter and I am looking forward to receiving a tweet in response fairly soon. My twitter name is @RedGreenie5.
Kindest regards
Mimi la Belle

All I can say is "thank you", (former) Justice Kirby. Your words and actions have both helped and inspired me. Trail-blazers such as yourself give inspiration to gay men (and women) across our our great nation.