One of Australia’s most respected judges has died in a farming accident just three weeks into his retirement.
Former Supreme Court judge Malcolm Blue KC, 70, was injured during the incident involving a tractor at a vineyard in Willunga South, south of Adelaide, shortly before 11am on Saturday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Judge Blue had retired last month after a 47-year legal career, including a 13-year stint as a Supreme Court justice.
During his time at the head of the courts, the 70-year-old earned the respect of both legal professionals and politicians.
The judge’s family said he was excited to spend more time with his loved ones during his retirement.
“We are devastated by the loss of Malcolm. He was a much loved and caring father, partner and brother, and cherished his family,” the family said. Adelaide now.
‘Malcolm was always kind, funny, intelligent and a great support to his family, friends and legal colleagues.
Former Supreme Court Justice Malcolm Blue KC (pictured) was fatally injured in an incident involving a tractor in a vineyard on Saturday morning.
‘He was both kind and brilliant and we will miss him greatly.
Having accomplished so much during a long and distinguished legal career, Malcolm looked forward to spending more time with his family on the property.
‘Malcolm will be deeply missed by his partner Angela, his daughters Charlotte, Victoria and Alex, his three sisters, along with his extended family, many friends and colleagues in the legal fraternity.’
The circumstances of Judge Blue’s death on the Fleurieu Peninsula remain unclear.
South African police are preparing a report for the coroner and Safework SA is investigating the case.
Judge Blue handled several of the state’s most important cases while serving on the Supreme Court.
Some of these include the Hillier triple murders in 2016, the drink-driving death of Robert Fitzsimmons in 2014 and the $360 million defects dispute at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2016.
Justice Blue was appointed King’s Counsel, one of the highest honours in the law, in 2001 and is a graduate of the University of Adelaide.
South African Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Judge Blue during a press conference on Sunday.
“Mr Blue was a great South Australian who served his community exceptionally well over a very long period of time,” Malinauskas said.
“I’m sure South Australia will pay him due tribute as someone who made a significant contribution.”
The circumstances of Judge Blue’s death remain unclear and Safework SA is investigating the case.
South Australian Chief Justice Chris Kourakis acknowledged that Blue’s death would be felt throughout Australia’s 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.
‘Justice Blue was an outstanding scholar and jurist who selflessly devoted his energy to the work of the court and to making justice more accessible to the people of South Australia.’