I was saddened to hear of the death this past week of Geoffrey Hackett-Jones QC, who was for many years Parliamentary Counsel of South Australia and then of The Northern Territory.
Not only was Geoffrey a talented musician, but he had a brilliant dry wit. A slight pause before he spoke, coupled with the barest of suppressed smiles, was a sure sign that an outrageously arachic comment was on its way.
He was also a really nice man. Would that there were more like him.
I once briefed Geoffey in a matter before the Full Court of the Supreme Court of South Australia, which turned on the interpretation of a particular statute.
His argument, which probably took two or three minutes to present, won the day.
A charming and gentle man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.