Article
Vale Sir Guy Green
Media release – Obituary from the Supreme Court of Tasmania, 25 July 2025
Vale Sir Guy Green AC KBE CVO
The Supreme Court of Tasmania notes with deep sadness that Sir Guy Stephen Montague Green AC KBE CVO has passed away after a short illness. He would have been 88 tomorrow and will be greatly missed. Sir Guy was the 10th Chief Justice of the Court between 1973 and 1995, the first Tasmanian born Governor of the State between 1995 and 2003 and served as Acting Administrator of the Commonwealth in 2003. He was born on 26 July 1937 and attended the Launceston Church Grammar School from 1942 to 1954.
He graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1960, and practised law in Launceston until 1971 when he was appointed a magistrate.
On 30 October 1975, at the age of 36, he was made Chief Justice. He served as Chancellor of the University of Tasmania between 1985 and 1995, and he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University in 1996.
As Chief Justice for 22 years Sir Guy is the longest serving leader of the Court and made a huge contribution to its evolution and development. He leaves a substantial legacy and is a notable professional example for those who follow in his footsteps. Significant events during his incumbency as Chief Justice included the move from the Campbell Street Courts to the new criminal courts in Salamanca in 1975 and the civil wing in 1980.
These buildings remain the outward face of the Court in Hobart today. He was held in very high regard as a jurist and judicial administrator, which is reflected in the broad range of important public offices that he held. However, perhaps the best measure of his Honour’s career is to be found in some of the reflections of current judges, including “at the risk of significant understatement, he was a very polite, patient, genial and careful judge with a great grasp of principle and a stout defender of the role of the rule of law and judicial independence.”
Sir Guy chaired many bodies, ranging from St John Ambulance to Ten Days on the Island and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. He had an enduring and active interest in the Antarctic. He was an excellent speaker and delivered many orations and speeches. He was also a thoughtful writer and wrote many articles, chapters and forewords.
Tasmania is much the poorer for his passing.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 25 July 2025
Vale Sir Guy Green
On behalf of all Tasmanians, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the Honourable Sir Guy Green AC, KBE, CVO.
A highly distinguished Tasmanian whose life was defined by service and unwavering dedication to our State and our Country, Sir Guy was a deeply respected jurist and a strong advocate for Tasmania, particularly its unique connection to the Antarctic.
A visionary leader, Sir Guy’s contributions to public life were marked by compassion and distinction.
Born in Launceston on 26 July 1937, Sir Guy was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania from 1973 to 1995, Chancellor of the University of Tasmania from 1985 to 1995, and the State’s first Tasmanian-born Governor from 1995 to 2003.
As Chief Justice, he modernised judicial processes while upholding the integrity of the law.
As Governor, Sir Guy will be remembered for his devotion to the people of Tasmania that was above and beyond his duties. During his tenure, Sir Guy was called upon to act as Administrator of Australia on several occasions – an honour that reflected the trust placed in his leadership.
Sir Guy’s passion for his community was unwavering, as he continued to serve Tasmanians long after his formal retirement, particularly through cultural institutions, including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, where he served as Chair of the Board for over 11 years.
The honours bestowed upon him – Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Companion of the Order of Australia, and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order – are a reflection of his professional achievements, his character and enduring legacy.
Sir Guy’s life reminds us that true leadership is measured by purpose and service. Tasmania is richer for his contributions, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
I extend my sincere condolences to Lady Green and Sir Guy’s family and friends, as well as all those whose lives he touched.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 25 July 2025
Vale Sir Guy Green
On behalf of the Tasmanian Labor Party, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all who know Sir Guy Green.
Sir Guy’s lifelong dedication to Tasmania and its people is an enduring legacy.
As the first Tasmanian-born Governor of our state, he brought a unique and deeply personal commitment to his role, serving with integrity, wisdom and genuine care.
His tenure as Chief Justice and later as Governor was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, community and the betterment of Tasmania. Sir Guy’s leadership was characterised by humility and a strong sense of duty, qualities that earned him the respect of all who worked with him.
He was a respected leader who helped shape Tasmania’s institutions with compassion and vision.
His passion for Tasmania set a standard for those who follow, and our state is a better place because of his service.
Tasmania has lost a truly remarkable figure. We honour his contributions and mourn with all who were touched by his kindness and leadership.
Media release – Rufus Black ,Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, 25 July 2025
Vale Sir Guy Green
Throughout his long life of service, Sir Guy made an enormous contribution to our state and to our university.
Sir Guy studied Law at the University of Tasmania and practiced in Launceston after being admitted to the bar in 1960 before going on to become the longest-serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania – from 1973 when he was just 36 years old until 1995.
Sir Guy served as the Chancellor of the University of Tasmania from 1985 until 1995 and was a crucial figure in the formation of the statewide university we know today.
It was during this time, as the national Dawkins reforms were expanding access to higher education and creating more and larger universities, that the southern-based University of Tasmania merged with the northern Tasmanian State Institute of Technology. As Chancellor, Sir Guy headed the negotiating team, helped shape the amalgamation process, was closely involved in selecting the new Vice-Chancellor and assisted in drafting the enabling legislation that established the new University.
Over the ten-year period Sir Guy guided our institution as Chancellor, we went from a university based only in the south to a true University of Tasmania for all Tasmanians with campuses in Hobart, Launceston and – following its opening in 1995 – Burnie.
From 1995 until 2003, Sir Guy served as the first Tasmanian-born Governor of Tasmania and was at one time appointed the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Sir Guy had a long-standing interest in Antarctica and instituted the Governor’s Antarctic Forum after coming to office in 1995 and joined an Australian Antarctic Division voyage to Macquarie Island.
He will be remembered for all these positions, honours, and the difference he made. Most importantly, he will be remembered by the people who met him and worked with him and knew him well as a person of great intellect, generosity, passion and compassion. I personally appreciated Sir Guy’s wise and kind counsel.
On behalf of the University of Tasmania, I offer deepest condolences to Sir Guy’s family, friends and loved ones.
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