Highlights
- Trailblaizing Greek Australian judge resigns after two decades on the bench
- Being a woman of immigrant parents, her appointment to the Supreme Court, was a historical first for Australia
- Justice Philippides reently set up a scholarship for graduates in her late father’s memory
Justice Philippides’ departure constitutes a landmark event not just for her personally, but also the Greek Australian and broader community.
Back in 2000, she made history with her appointment to the Supreme Court of Queensland, becoming the first Greek Australian woman – and first descendant of immigrants to the country – to assume such a role.
Since 2014, she was serving at the Court of Appeal, being the state’s more senior female judge after Chief Justice Catherine Holmes.
Her contibutions have been widely acknowledged as shown in the statement issued on her resignation by Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman.
“I want to thank her for paving the way for so many young culturally diverse women wanting to pursue a legal career.
“As the daughter of immigrants, her Honour was the first woman of Hellenic heritage to be admitted as a barrister in Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.
Justice Philippides was walking the talk as a passionate supporter of culturally diverse and disadvantaged students and lawyers.
Two years ago, she launched a $100,000 scholarship for Queensland university graduates giving them the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at Cambridge University.
Commenting on what prompted the initiative, she spoke of a way of giving back to the community, but also a symbolic gesture in memory of her late father, Constantine, paying tribute to her parents’ support.
