John Lee expresses sorrow over the passing of former Non-Permanent Judge Anthony Frank Mason

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed sadness over the passing of Anthony Frank Mason, former Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and condolences to his family, on Wednesday.

Mason served from 1997 to 2015 as one of the earliest Non-Permanent Judges drawn from another common law jurisdiction.

Mason was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013 for contributing to Hong Kong, Lee said.

From the very beginning of the Court of Final Appeal's establishment, he contributed his erudition, wisdom and extensive experience to its development, participated in the adjudication of many high-profile cases, and performed his duties with utmost dedication, Lee remarked.

He added that Mason held a highly respected position in the judiciary and legal profession. During his tenure and even after leaving office, he consistently supported Hong Kong's arrangement under the Basic Law to appoint judges from common law jurisdictions as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal.

He made outstanding contributions to establishing the Court of Final Appeal's prestige and reputation in Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions, Lee said.

He also dedicated himself to supporting legal education in Hong Kong, frequently lecturing to students, teachers, and legal professionals, making significant contributions to the Hong Kong legal community, Lee added.

Separately, the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mason and extended sincere condolences to his family.

“Sir Anthony Mason was one of the first NPJs drawn from another common law jurisdiction to serve on the CFA after its establishment in 1997,” said chairman of the HKBA José Antonio Maurellet. “His contribution to the then nascent CFA was very significant especially in particular in the area of constitutional law, which in the context of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the Basic Law, is of vital legal importance for Hong Kong.”

The HKBA conferred the title of Honorary Life Member to Mason in 2012, making him the first NPJ drawn from another common law jurisdiction to receive this honour.

Mason was born in Australia in 1925 and was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1951 and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1964. In 1969, he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where he sat as a member of the Court of Appeal until 1972. In 1972, he was appointed to the Bench of the High Court. From 1987 to 1995, he served as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1988.