The Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL) NSW and ACT Chapters hosted a captivating event on October 28, 2024, at Sparke Helmore Lawyers in Sydney, focusing on the legal and cultural debates surrounding the Parthenon Marbles.
Chaired by Bill Kritharas, NSW State Chair of HAL and Partner at Sparke Helmore, the event coincided with OXI Day, a day of profound significance for Greeks worldwide. In his opening address, Mr Kritharas emphasised the importance of the event taking place on OXI Day, which commemorates Greece’s defiance against Italy’s 1940 ultimatum—a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural pride, aligning closely with the evening’s themes.
Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, Patron of HAL ACT, began with a reflection on philotimo, a Greek concept embodying honour, empathy, and moral integrity. She underscored the value of emotional intelligence in the legal profession, especially in today’s AI-driven world, and explained HAL’s decision to dedicate this event solely to the Parthenon Marbles, with future events planned to address AI, misinformation, and disinformation.
The keynote presentation by The Hon Justice Nye Perram of the Federal Court of Australia provided an in-depth historical and legal context for the Parthenon Marbles, which were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and now reside in the British Museum.
Justice Perram traced Greece’s repeated requests for their return since gaining independence, beginning in 1833, with a formal appeal in 1836—a campaign that continues today with strong support both globally and within the UK.
Mr Perram discussed the various dimensions of this ongoing debate, including the moral claims for repatriation versus the British Museum’s arguments for preserving the Marbles as part of a global cultural collection accessible to millions. He also cited recent diplomatic tensions, such as the 2023 incident in which UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after comments by Mitsotakis on the Marbles’ return. Justice Perram emphasised that the UK government’s position remains steadfast, pointing to Elgin’s alleged legal acquisition of the Marbles and the benefits of their global accessibility.
His keynote address also delved into the potential paths forward, noting that a political solution, such as a loan agreement, could offer a compromise, allowing the Marbles to return to Greece temporarily while remaining accessible globally. However, he underscored the legal and political complexity of this issue, emphasising that, despite strong arguments on both sides, a resolution remains uncertain. He referenced examples from international law and past cases, such as the Temple of Preah Vihear. The potential for seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice was suggested as another approach to achieving clarity in such culturally charged cases.
The Hon Justice Melissa Perry of the Federal Court, Patron of HAL NSW, closed the talks with a personal reflection on her Hellenic heritage, honouring her father, a Greek-born judge who migrated to Australia during the Great Depression. She emphasised HAL’s mission to foster professional engagement, cultural harmony, and a connection between the Hellenic legal community and the broader Australian and international legal communities. Justice Perry also announced an upcoming international conference in Athens on July 7-10, 2025, focused on safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, with a particular emphasis on AI’s impact on the legal field.
During a Q&A session, attendees engaged deeply on the ethical and legal implications of repatriating historical artifacts, particularly the Parthenon Marbles. The conversation explored the moral arguments for repatriation, the challenges it presents, and comparisons with other artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone. Discussions touched on international law, customary international law, and domestic legislation like the Australian Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act, with examples such as the Temple of Preah Vihear case illustrating the legal intricacies.
Following the Q&A, prominent corporate lawyer Betty Ivanoff delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the speakers’ insights and the evening’s rich discussions. With her words of gratitude, the event concluded, and attendees enjoyed drinks and canapés, continuing conversations in a relaxed setting.
The HAL gathering underlined the organisation’s commitment to advancing discourse on justice, cultural identity, and the responsibilities of the legal community in a globalised world.
