Lionel Keith Murphy

Senator for NSW: 1962 – 1975
Justice, High Court of Australia: 1975 – 1986

Early Life
Lionel Keith Murphy was born on 30 August 1922 and came to Sydney High School in 1936 from Kensington Public School. At a time when many boys could pass through the School without leaving a mark, he played in the 6th XV (CHS Premiers), was a member of the CHS Championship Senior Athletics team, and was elected a Prefect in 1940. It is recorded that he was also an excellent pupil. From High he passed to the University of Sydney where he graduated in Science in 1945. He completed the Barristers‘ Admission Board examination and was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1947, graduating in Law with first class Honours in 1949.

Public Life
In 1962 Lionel Murphy was elected a Senator for NSW, eventually becoming leader of the Government in that house and the Whitlam Government‘s Attorney-General. He resigned in 1975 to be appointed a Judge of the High Court of Australia. His final years ended amidst great controversy, which without doubt brought his life to a premature end on 21 October 1986.

His Legacy
A great Australian and one of our finest jurists, Lionel Murphy made outstanding and enduring contributions to the Parliament and the legal system. As Attorney-General “...he pioneered major reforms of the law in relation to family law, legal aid, consumer protection, and civil liberties”. As a Judge of the High Court “..he brought to the court a vision of social justice and a principle that all are equal under the law”. Many believe that history will look upon him with kindness and acknowledge his compassion, humanitarianism and good works.