We mourn the loss of SANE Australia Patron-in-Chief The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, PC, QC who died aged 94 this week.
Sir Ninian served as governor-general from 1982 to 1989. During his distinguished career he was knighted five times, a justice of the High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of Victoria, member of the Privy Council and Australian ambassador for the environment.
Sir Ninian joined SANE during our early years and used his influential voice to help further the reach of our work.
He was introduced to our organisation by SANE's founding chair Sir Edward Woodward. The pair shared chambers as young barristers in the 1950s and both later served on the High Court of Australia.
Sir Ninian added weight to our public statements calling for improved mental health care and launched the SANE report into the state of Australia's mental health services.
His warmth and expertise will be greatly missed.
A state funeral will be held for Sir Ninian.