I pay tribute to the late David Ipp AO QC, whose recent passing has been keenly felt by the legal profession Australia-wide.
Mr Ipp was perhaps best known as a very effective Commissioner of NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, but he began his Australian legal career in Western Australia where he remained a hugely respected figure.
A barrister who emigrated from South Africa to Perth with his wife Erina and their three children in 1981, Mr Ipp’s intellect, integrity and work ethic saw him appointed to the Western Australian Supreme Court after just eight years practicing in this jurisdiction. This was the fastest elevation to a judicial appointment in Western Australia’s history.
Despite moving to Sydney to take up an appointment to the NSW Court of Appeal, he continued to have an impact on the Western Australian legal framework through State Parliament’s adoption in 2003 of reforms recommended by Mr Ipp’s national review of negligence laws.
During his legal career Mr Ipp also served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji and was known for his dedication to public service, sharp intellect and generous nature.
On behalf of the State Government, I offer my sincere condolences to Erina and their children.
Attorney General’s offfice – 6552 6800
