Richard McGarvie AC, QC |
|
---|---|
24th Governor of Victoria | |
In office 23 April 1992 – 23 April 1997 |
|
Monarch | Elizabeth II |
Preceded by | Davis McCaughey |
Succeeded by | Sir James Gobbo |
Personal details | |
Born |
Richard Elgin McGarvie 21 May 1926 Colac, Victoria |
Died | 24 May 2003 Caulfield, Victoria |
(aged 77)
Spouse(s) | Lesley McGarvie (née Kerr) |
Education | University of Melbourne |
Profession | Barrister; Judge |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Australia |
Service/branch | Royal Australian Navy |
Years of service | 1944–1946 |
Rank | Able Seaman |
Unit |
HMAS Cerberus HMAS Arunta |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Richard Elgin McGarvie AC, QC (21 May 1926 – 24 May 2003) was a judge in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the 24th Governor of Victoria from 1992 to 1997.
He was born and brought up on his parents’ dairy farm at Pomborneit East in Victoria. After finishing first place at Camperdown High School. He entered the Royal Australian Navy in 1944, training at HMAS Cerberus and serving on the destroyer, HMAS Arunta. The Second World War ended before he saw active service. He served with the Occupation Force in Japan and was discharged as an able seaman in 1946.
He joined the Australian Labor Party in 1949 and took a leading role in the dismissal of its Victorian socialist-left dominated Central Executive by bringing about federal intervention.
McGarvie studied law at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 1950, winning the Supreme Court Prize for the top honours student of the year. Joining the Victorian Bar in 1952, he became Queen's Counsel, chair of the Victorian Bar Council 1973–1975, Treasurer of Law Council of Australia 1974–1976 and Chancellor of La Trobe University 1981–1992.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria on 1 June 1976, resigning all political affiliations, and served as a judge until 22 April 1992. He was appointed Governor of Victoria from 1992 to 1997.