The SMSF Association has paid tribute to the contribution made to the sector and the organisation by Sir Anthony Mason, the ninth Chief Justice in Australia, who passed away last week at the age of 100.
Mason was the inaugural patron of the SMSF Association, a position he held from 2007 to 2017. The industry body acknowledged the fact he served the role with generosity and was committed to improving the ethical and professional standards of the sector.
Commenting on his contribution over the decade in which he was involved with the sector, SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess said: “Sir Anthony’s wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership set a benchmark for all who serve in positions of responsibility and have helped shape the association into what it is today.”
Andrea Slattery, who was SMSF Association chief executive during the time Mason was patron of the organisation, paid tribute to the significance of his achievements in the role.
“Through his work with the SMSF Association, the broader profession and the Australian community were profoundly fortunate to benefit from his guidance,” Slattery indicated.
“His perspective was generous, his integrity absolute. We stand on the shoulders of a giant and will remain enduring beneficiaries of his legacy.”
Mason’s contribution to the sector extended beyond his role as patron of the SMSF Association. To this end, he helped shape professional standards, reinforced the importance of ethical conduct and public trust, and worked to strengthen institutional integrity. These achievements cemented his place as a widely distinguished community leader.
The association took the opportunity to extend its deepest sympathies to Mason’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Law Society of NSW also offered its condolences to the family and friends of Mason.
“Sir Anthony’s remarkable achievements in the law are well known, most notably in his service as Chief Justice of Australia capping his 23 years as a judge of the High Court of Australia,” the legal body said in a statement.
“These include the recognition of native title and abandonment of the doctrine of terra nullius in Mabo v Queensland (No2) and the recognition of a constitutionally implied freedom of political communication in Australian Capital Television v Commonwealth.”
