The Honourable Alan Goldberg AO QC awarded honorary doctorate from Swinburne
In Summary
Swinburne University of Technology has awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws to the Honourable Alan Goldberg AO QC in recognition of his contribution to the founding of Swinburne’s Law School.
In 2014, Dr Goldberg served as chair of the committee to advise the university in accrediting Swinburne Law School to offer a Bachelor of Laws that fulfils the academic requirements of practising law in Victoria.
“As a direct result of Dr Goldberg’s efforts, we were delighted to have the Swinburne Law School launched by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria earlier this year – and to welcome the inaugural class of Bachelor of Laws students in February,” Swinburne University of Technology’s Chancellor, Mr Graham Goldsmith, said.
“We believe that through this new course our graduates will have access to a wider range of careers, enabled by their specialised knowledge of legal frameworks and the tools to create innovative businesses.”
Dr Goldberg has had a distinguished career in the law, and the protection of civil liberties. He has served the legal profession, legal education, the arts and the Jewish community generously.
Dr Goldberg was called to the Victorian Bar in 1965 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1978.
After a successful career as a barrister, he was appointed a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia and, subsequently, President of the Australian Competition Tribunal. He was Deputy Chairman of the committee advising the Victorian Attorney-General on Racial Vilification, and President of the Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (now Liberty Victoria).
Dr Goldberg has held numerous important roles in the Jewish community. He has been involved with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies, the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, Mt Scopus Memorial College School Council and the Montefiore Homes for the Aged Foundation.
For his service to the judiciary, particularly in the areas of competition, law and equity, to the community as a contributor to debate on human rights and civil liberties, and as a supporter of the arts, he was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2005.
Dr Goldberg’s significant contributions are most aptly recognised through this Honorary Doctorate of Laws.