South Australian judge Malcolm Blue dies in farm accident – three weeks after retiring
One of Australia’s most respected judges has died in a farm accident just three weeks after retiring.
Former Chief Justice Malcolm Blue KC, 70, was killed in an incident involving a tractor in a vineyard in Willunga South, south of Adelaide, shortly before 11am on Saturday.
Judge Blue retired last month after a 47-year legal career, including 13 years as a Supreme Court justice.
During his time at the helm of the courts, the 70-year-old earned the respect of both jurists and politicians.
According to the judge’s family, he was looking forward to spending more time with his loved ones after his retirement.
“We are devastated by the loss of Malcolm. He was a much loved and loving father, partner and brother, and cherished his family,” the family said. Adelaide Now.
‘Malcolm was always kind, funny, smart and incredibly helpful to family, friends and legal colleagues.
‘He was both gentle and brilliant and will be terribly missed.
Former Chief Justice Malcolm Blue KC (pictured) was fatally injured in a tractor incident in a vineyard on Saturday morning
‘After having achieved so much during his long and successful legal career, Malcolm was looking forward to spending more time with his family on the estate.
‘Malcolm will be greatly missed by his partner Angela, daughters Charlotte, Victoria and Alex, three sisters, along with his extended family, many friends and colleagues in the legal profession.’
The circumstances surrounding Judge Blue’s death on the Fleurieu Peninsula remain unclear.
The South African Police Service is preparing a report for the coroner and Safework SA is investigating the case.
Judge Blue handled some of the state’s most high-profile cases while serving on the Supreme Court.
Some examples include the triple murder of Hillier in 2016, the drunken and stampede death of Robert Fitzsimmons in 2014 and the $360 million dispute over defects at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2016.
Judge Blue was appointed King’s Counsel, one of the highest honours in the legal profession, in 2001. He graduated from the University of Adelaide.
South African Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Judge Blue at a press conference on Sunday.
“Mr Blue was a great South Australian who served his community exceptionally well over a very long period,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“I am sure South Australia will honour him appropriately as someone who made a significant contribution.”
The circumstances surrounding Judge Blue’s death remain unclear as Safework SA investigates the matter
South Australia Chief Justice Chris Kourakis acknowledged that Blue’s death would have implications for the entire Australian justice system.
“The justices of the Supreme Court, the judiciary of this state and across the country, and the legal profession mourn the loss of their colleague,” he said.
‘Judge Blue was a distinguished intellectual and jurist who devoted his energies selflessly to the work of the court and to making justice more accessible to the people of South Australia.’