Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech acknowledges the recent death of two of the Northern Territory’s former justices – The Honourable Brian Frank Martin AO MBE KC, and The Honourable John Anthony Nader KC.
Former Chief Justice Brian Frank Martin died in Darwin on 24 April, aged 86.
Arriving in Alice Springs in 1963 as a young lawyer seeking experience, Justice Martin wasn’t planning to stay for long. However, the Territory became his forever home.
He established a legal practice in Alice Springs, and immersed himself in community affairs in the town; serving on the Alice Springs Town Management Board and later as Mayor of the Alice Springs Town Council.
A theatre buff who sometimes took to the local stage, Justice Martin was also deeply involved in the establishment of the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs.
Following his appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court of the NT in 1987, Justice Martin served a ten-year term as Chief Justice from 1993 to 2003; after which he continued to serve as an Acting Judge from 2004 to 2009.
Justice Martin is survived by his wife Lorraine; daughters Christine, Leanne and Janelle; son Tony; and 12 grandchildren.
Former Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, Justice Nader died in NSW on 22 April, aged 91.
Justice Nader served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the NT from 1982 to 1992; and was the Chairman of the Criminal Code Review Committee from 1990 to 1992.
Ranked as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Australia Army Legal Corp Reserve, Justice Nader also served as a Judge Advocate at Courts Martial and was an honorary Colonel of the Cadet Corps of the NT.
Justice Nader was recognised for his expertise in criminal law, and was a member of the NT Court of Criminal Appeal which famously quashed convictions against Lindy and Michael Chamberlain whose daughter was taken by a dingo at Uluru.
Justice Nader is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Sarah and Amanda; and five grandchildren.
