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| Linda Dessau | |
|---|---|
| Name | Linda Dessau |
| Office | Governor of Victoria |
| Term start | 1 July 2015 |
| Term end | 30 June 2023 |
| Predecessor | Alex Chernov |
| Successor | Margaret Gardner |
| Birth date | 8 May 1953 |
| Birth place | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Alma mater | University of Melbourne |
| Profession | Barrister, Judge |
Linda Dessau
Linda Marigold Dessau (born 8 May 1953) is an Australian jurist and former state vice-regal representative who served as the 29th Governor of Victoria. She previously served as a judge of the Family Court of Australia and as a leader in legal practice in Victoria (Australia), and has been active in public life, arts patronage, and community organisations. Her tenure intersected with institutions including the Monash University, Victorian Government, Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court of Australia and various cultural bodies.
Dessau was born in Hobart, Tasmania to a family with roots in Lithuania and Latvia, and grew up in a household connected to the Jewish community of Hobart. She attended local schools before moving to Victoria (Australia) to undertake tertiary study at the University of Melbourne, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws and Arts while engaging with campus organisations and legal clinics associated with the Melbourne Law School and student bodies. During her studies she intersected with networks linked to the Victorian Bar Council, Australian Law Students' Association, and alumni of the University of Melbourne who later served on the High Court of Australia and other judicial and academic institutions.
After admission to practice, Dessau undertook practice at the Victorian Bar, appearing in matters that involved parties before the Family Court of Australia, the County Court of Victoria, and tribunals with connections to the Attorney-General of Victoria and federal portfolios. She was involved with chambers and bar associations including the Victorian Bar, the Law Institute of Victoria, and professional networks that included judges from the Supreme Court of Victoria and practitioners who later served in the Federal Court of Australia and the High Court of Australia. Her practice encompassed litigation and advocacy in family law, property disputes, and matters that engaged statutes such as federal family law legislation enacted by parliaments including the Parliament of Australia.
In 1995 Dessau was appointed to the Family Court of Australia where she adjudicated complex family law matters and contributed to jurisprudence that was cited by other tribunals and courts such as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and state supreme courts. Her judicial work intersected with decisions referencing principles from cases heard in the High Court of Australia and considered by administrative bodies including the Australian Human Rights Commission. During her tenure she participated in judicial education initiatives associated with the Judicial Conference of Australia and contributed to professional development programs linked to the University of Melbourne and the College of Law.
Dessau was appointed Governor of Victoria, taking office on 1 July 2015 as the state's vice-regal representative, working with premiers from the Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division), the Australian Labor Party (Victorian Branch), and ministers across administrations. Her role brought her into constitutional and ceremonial interaction with the Monarch of Australia and the Royal Australian Navy during commemorations, events at Government House, Melbourne and engagements with institutions including the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Victorian Legislative Council, and city councils such as the City of Melbourne. As governor she undertook patronage of cultural bodies including the National Gallery of Victoria, sporting organisations like the Melbourne Cricket Club, and educational institutions such as Deakin University and RMIT University. Her term saw engagement with public health bodies during crises involving the Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria) and collaborative events with federal agencies including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Outside the vice-regal office Dessau has supported arts organisations including the Sydney Opera House's network of partners and Victorian arts festivals, community organisations within the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, and social-service organisations linked to the Salvation Army and veterans' groups such as the Returned and Services League of Australia. She has been involved with charitable trusts and boards connected to higher education and research institutions including Monash University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and participated in initiatives addressing family welfare that intersect with agencies like the Australian Institute of Family Studies and legal aid providers.
Dessau received state and national honours reflecting her vice-regal service and prior judicial work, with recognitions that align with orders such as appointments within the Australian honours system associated with the Order of Australia and ceremonial acknowledgements from the Governor-General of Australia. She has been granted honorary degrees and fellowships by universities including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and other tertiary bodies that confer honorary doctorates and recognition for public service.
Dessau is married and has family ties in Melbourne and Hobart, and maintains links with community organisations in Victoria (Australia) and national networks across Australia. Her background in the Jewish community of Hobart and engagement with cultural institutions has informed patronage roles and public-facing initiatives during and after her vice-regal tenure.
Category:Governors of Victoria (Australia) Category:Australian judges Category:University of Melbourne alumni Category:People from Hobart