On the evening of 2 March 2018, Peter Gray SC welcomed guests, friends and colleagues to the official opening of 153 PHILLIP – named after its location at 153 Phillip Street.
Peter paid tribute to John Gooley, member and co-founder with Peter of the floor, and spoke briefly of the aims and principles underpinning the floor’s creation. He particularly drew attention to the example set by John Hubert Plunkett, Attorney-General (and Solicitor-General) of New South Wales in the mid-19th century, prosecutor of the Myall Creek murderers and the first Australian silk, after whom our conference room is named.
Shane Phillips, advocate for Aboriginal rights, respected member of the Redfern Aboriginal community and CEO of the Tribal Warrior Association, reminded us of our ongoing links to the traditional owners of the land in an eloquent and moving Welcome to Country.
Michael Sexton SC and Mark Speakman SC, present-day successors to JH Plunkett as Solicitor-General and Attorney-General respectively, warmly endorsed and supported the floor’s aims and distinctive approach, in the course of generous remarks wishing our members well for the future.