The annual John Perry AO QC Oration, hosted by the South Australian Chapter of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL), brought together eminent judges, distinguished figures and the Adelaide legal profession to honour the legacy of Justice John William Perry, the first Supreme Court Justice of South Australia with a Hellenic background.
This year’s oration was delivered by the Hon. Robert Beech-Jones, Justice of the High Court of Australia, who offered a compelling address on the moral and ethical challenges that lawyers face when confronting oppressive and non-democratic regimes.
Justice Beech-Jones discussed the role lawyers play in times of political turmoil and the ethical choices they confront when defending justice under oppressive regimes. His Honour explored historical examples of lawyers who stood up to dictatorships, focusing on Hans Litten, a German lawyer who famously cross-examined Adolf Hitler in 1931, and South African lawyers Sidney Kentridge and Bram Fischer, who challenged apartheid.
Each of these figures, His Honour noted, made courageous choices, many times at significant personal cost, using their positions to resist oppression and uphold the principles of justice—even when achieving true justice within their societies seemed remote. Justice Beech-Jones contrasted these struggles with Australia’s stable democracy, suggesting that, while local lawyers do not face such dilemmas today, their vigilance is crucial to preserving democratic values.
For today’s Australian legal community, Justice Beech-Jones’s oration was both a tribute to these historical figures’ courage and a reminder of the enduring ethical responsibilities of the legal profession in safeguarding justice and democracy.
The Hon. Melissa Anne Perry, daughter of the late Justice John William Perry and a Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, shared a heartfelt reflection on her father’s legacy, honouring his trailblazing contributions to South Australia’s judiciary and his role as a pioneering figure in the Australian legal landscape. She spoke of his dedication to justice, integrity, and public service, emphasising how he merged his legal career with a deep commitment to his community.
Justice Perry’s tribute illuminated not only her father’s professional achievements but also his compassionate and noble character, inspiring attendees to carry forward his values in their own lives and to honour his legacy.
The evening was further enriched by an address from Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the new Consul General of Greece in SA, who honoured the spirit of OXI Day, a symbol of Greece’s WWII defiance. Dr Theodoropoulou recounted the historical significance of this day, when on October 28, 1940, Greece defied Mussolini’s demand for occupation. This “No,” or “OXI,” became a rallying cry for resistance and showcased Greece’s resolve against tyranny.
Dr Theodoropoulou highlighted how this defiance reverberated across the world, gaining international admiration amongst the Allies and affecting the course of the Axis campaign. She also brought attention to the many ANZAC troops who fought alongside Greeks during the war, a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice and solidarity between our two nations.
Dr Theodoropoulou also shared the inspiring story of George Bizos, a Greek-born lawyer who emigrated to South Africa during WWII and ultimately became a defender of justice alongside Nelson Mandela. Fleeing from German-occupied Greece at age 13, Bizos faced numerous challenges in a foreign land but rose to prominence in the South African legal system, later defending Mandela and others in the famous Rivonia Trial.
Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to network and engage, forming meaningful interactions with one another. HAL co-chairs Peter Tantalos and Aria Bolkus thanked attendees, the event sponsor WRP Legal & Advisory, and the association’s committee for their support in bringing the Oration to life. They recognised HAL’s role as a bridge between cultures, fostering connections between Australian and Hellenic values within the legal profession.
In line with this mission, the event featured an engaging performance by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) Dance Academy, whose members showcased traditional Greek dances from the Peloponnese. This lively display of Greek heritage added a festive spirit to the evening, reinforcing the cultural pride that HAL seeks to cultivate. It also provided the catalyst for attendees to participate in Greek dancing late into the night, fostering a sense of unity and joy as guests of all backgrounds joined hands to celebrate Hellenic culture.
Mr Tantalos also spoke about the upcoming HAL international conference in Athens, Greece which will take place from 7-10 July 2025 on the theme, “Safeguarding democracy, rule of law and justice – global challenges and the role of AI,” held jointly with the Athens Bar Association, the Cyprus Bar Association, and the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York. Those interested in the conference are encouraged to email conference@hal.asn.au and ask for further information.
*The Hellenic Australian Lawyers (HAL) is the peak representative body of Hellenic Lawyers in Australia and provides opportunities for Hellenes and philhellenes to engage in a professional environment that celebrates Hellenic ideals, philosophy, law, and culture, while also advancing cultural harmony and diversity in the Australian legal profession.
