William Deane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Deane
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Deane c. 2000
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| 22nd Governor-General of Australia | |
| In office 16 February 1996 – 29 June 2001 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Paul Keating John Howard |
| Preceded by | Bill Hayden |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hollingworth |
| Justice of the High Court of Australia | |
| In office 25 June 1982 – 11 November 1995 |
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| Nominated by | Malcolm Fraser |
| Preceded by | Ninian Stephen |
| Succeeded by | Michael Kirby |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Patrick Deane
4 January 1931 St Kilda, Victoria, Australia |
| Spouse | Helen Russell |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
| Profession | Barrister, jurist |
Sir William Patrick Deane (born 4 January 1931) is an important Australian lawyer and judge. He was the 22nd Governor-General of Australia from 1996 to 2001. Before that, he was a judge on Australia's highest court, the High Court of Australia, from 1982 to 1995.
Sir William studied law at the University of Sydney. He also learned about international law in the Netherlands. Before becoming a judge, he worked as a lawyer and taught at a university. He became a judge in 1977. In 1982, he joined the High Court. He was known for his modern views on the court. After leaving the court in 1995, he became Governor-General. During his time, he officially opened the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
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Early Life and Education
Sir William Deane was born in Melbourne on 4 January 1931. He was the youngest of three children. His father, Cornelius, was a war hero from World War I. He later worked as a patent examiner.
The family moved to Canberra in 1933. William grew up in the suburb of Griffith. He went to school in Manuka and later to a boarding school in Sydney. He was a very good student. He won many scholarships and awards.
He studied at the University of Sydney. There, he earned degrees in Arts and Law. He was active in student life. He also learned to fly a plane. In 1954, he won a special scholarship. This allowed him to study in Europe. He earned a diploma from The Hague Academy of International Law in 1955.
After university, William worked for the government. He also worked at a law firm. In 1957, he became a barrister in Sydney. This means he could argue cases in court. He also taught law at a university.
Becoming a Judge
In 1977, Sir William Deane became a judge. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales. In the same year, he also became a judge of the Federal Court of Australia. He also led the Australian Trade Practices Tribunal.
In June 1982, he was appointed to the High Court of Australia. This is the highest court in Australia. He took the place of Sir Ninian Stephen. A few weeks later, he received a knighthood. This is a special honour.
On the High Court, he was part of an important decision. This decision recognised native title for Indigenous Australians. This happened in the famous Mabo case in 1992.
Serving as Governor-General
In August 1995, the Prime Minister, Paul Keating, announced something important. He said that Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia, had agreed. Sir William Deane would become the next Governor-General. He would take over from Bill Hayden.
Sir William left the High Court in November 1995. He officially became Governor-General on 16 February 1996. Less than a month later, a new government was elected. The Liberal/National team, led by John Howard, won.
Sir William Deane was the first Catholic Governor-General of Australia. He was known for caring deeply about social justice. He often spoke up for people who were struggling.
On 28 August 1996, he made an official announcement. He declared 3 September as Australian National Flag Day.
As Governor-General, Sir William was praised for his role after sad events. He publicly shared his sorrow for victims of tragedies. These included the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. He also spoke after the 1997 Thredbo landslide in 1997. He gave a very moving speech in Switzerland after a canyoning disaster in 1999. He also spoke at the funerals of many important Australians.
Sir William's term was supposed to end in 2000. But it was extended for six months. This was so he could be part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations. When he left office in 2001, he shared one regret. He had hoped Australia would achieve Reconciliation by 2000. This means bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians closer. Prime Minister John Howard said Sir William always cared about disadvantaged people.
Opening the Olympics
Sir William Deane officially opened the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He gave a short speech to a huge crowd of 110,000 people.
The Prime Minister, John Howard, had first planned to open the games himself. But in November 1999, he changed his mind. He decided Sir William Deane should open them instead. Mr Howard said he wanted to avoid politics. He felt it would be better for the Olympics if the Governor-General opened them. Some people had argued that the Queen should open the games.
Later Years and Community Work
Even after leaving office, Sir William Deane continued to help others. He became a patron for many charities. These organisations help people who are homeless or disadvantaged. He supported groups like Matthew Talbot Homeless Services and Youth off the Streets. He also helped the Starlight Foundation.
He is also a patron of Reconciliation Australia. This group works towards better relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. He also supports the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association.
In 2013, he was a patron for Canberra's Centenary Celebrations. He also served on the advisory board for CARE Australia. This is an international aid organisation.
Awards and Honours
Sir William Deane has received many special honours.
- He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1982.
- On Australia Day 1988, he became a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
- He also holds high honours from the Catholic Church and the Order of St. John.
In 2001, he received the Sydney Peace Prize. This award recognised his support for vulnerable Australians. It also honoured his strong commitment to reconciliation.
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Personal Life
Sir William Deane married Helen Russell, a solicitor, on 6 January 1965. They have one son and one daughter. He is a devoted Catholic and regularly attends church.
Images for kids
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Sir William Deane at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney.
See also
In Spanish: William Deane para niños
