The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
 
     Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal today (June 16) concluded his visit to Canberra, Australia.
      
     At the invitation of Chief Justice of Australia Stephen Gageler, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Roberto Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, attended a ceremonial sitting at the High Court of Australia on June 15, held in honour of the late Sir Anthony Mason, Chief Justice of Australia from 1987 to 1995. The sitting was attended by members of Sir Anthony's family, government officials and dignitaries, as well as serving and retired senior judges.
      
     Sir Anthony served as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal from 1997 to 2015, for a total of 18 years. During his tenure, Sir Anthony made an immeasurable contribution to establishing the Court's reputation as Hong Kong's apex court under its new constitutional order, and to securing the confidence and trust of the community it serves. In recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong, he was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013.
      
     During their visit to Canberra, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Ribeiro had informal exchanges with Chief Justice Gageler, other senior judges in Australia, and Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann of New Zealand, who also attended the ceremonial sitting, reaffirming the longstanding professional ties with these common law jurisdictions.

Ends/Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

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