Introducing Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, the 29th Governor of Tasmania.
A continual commitment to equity and equality has helped the Arts/Law alumna carve out an impressive legal career that one could only aspire to emulate.
Her Excellency is a leader in family law, a trailblazing judge and a role model for generations of young women.
An ingrained determination and perseverance has also led to phenomenal sporting success.
Do you have any fond memories of studying at the University?
The Law Faculty was small enough that most of the students knew one another. It was a collegial place to study. It was a very social time for me. I started University in 1975, when the Whitlam Government had abolished fees to enter University, so it was an exciting time with a vast array of students. I met lots of fellow students, many of whom remain good friends. I spent a lot of time at the Refectory, mixing with students from other faculties and talking politics. I also spent a lot of time on the hockey field, and going on intervarsity hockey trips interstate. I was glad that I had completed a combined degree, due to my interest in psychology and also in politics, and eventually enabling me to choose a legal career. I was really inspired by the lectures of the late Professor Peter Boyce in political science.
You have had many successes in your professional and sporting life, but how do you deal with setbacks?
I have had my share of setbacks. One challenging time was, as junior counsel, in the Helsham Inquiry into the Lemonthyme and Southern Forests. A senior male official treated me rudely throughout the Inquiry. He certainly took a dislike to me! I believed I had done nothing to justify such an attitude towards me. Needless to say, I was the only female at the busy Bar table. I completed my submissions and vowed never to give in to inappropriate behaviour by bullies or sexist colleagues in my profession. I always try to look positively to the future. Whenever I had a setback, I found it helpful to talk to a trusted friend. In sport too, I had setbacks, but I worked hard to improve my skills at those times. My motto is never give up!
You have a strong sporting pedigree, excelling in both hockey and tennis. Based on your own experience, what message would you like to convey to young people about the benefits of sport?
I would like to encourage young people to appreciate the obvious benefit of exercise for physical health, mental health, and self-esteem. Sport teaches the values of self-reliance, leadership development and friendship. Team sport also teaches young people how to cooperate with others and teaches resilience, when things don’t go the right way.
In your time as both lawyer and a judge, you have seen firsthand the devastating impact of family violence on families, an insidious and pervasive problem. What do you think we can do to prevent family violence and how will you use your role to advocate for change?
Research confirms that family and domestic violence impacts on children are severe, affecting their health, wellbeing, education, relationships and housing outcomes. There is a national recognition of the need for primary prevention of violence against women and children. Because gender inequality contributes to violence against women, early intervention and creating a gender equal society are necessary for addressing violence against them. Discrimination, disadvantage and economic inequality, which intersect with gender inequality, should also be addressed to prevent violence against women.
Childcare centres, schools, universities, workplaces, sporting clubs, community organisations have an essential role in education and prevention efforts. Also, the media can challenge social norms relating to gendered violence and inequality.
Crisis and recovery responses are needed to provide support. Victims/survivors should have access to specialist support services. Perpetrators should be held to account and supported to change their violent behaviours. There has been an increasing focus on the need to engage boys and men in primary prevention work.
I use my role as Governor to talk about these issues when giving papers or speeches, to raise awareness about the problem. I have given an address about family violence at a book launch, which prompted an article in the Mercury newspaper about family violence and ways it is being addressed. Recently, I gave an address to the Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and noted their new initiative for Fellows to have training in family violence to more easily identify and support victims. This prompted discussion with several of the Fellows about family violence. I have also talked to groups about the gender pay gap and gender inequality.
When I talk to individuals and organisations, I hear common concerns. I can raise these concerns or ask for information or clarification, from Ministers. While the role of Governor is apolitical and the Governor must not interfere in the political process, I believe there are opportunities to raise a range of social and community issues and have influence.
Many Tasmanians have visited the beautiful historic Government House during Open Days, or admire it from afar, but what it is like to live there?
I feel very privileged to be Governor and to live in an apartment at Government House. However, it is a bit strange to leave your home, garden, furniture and belongings for five years. We have, over time, brought some small pieces of furniture, some paintings and books to make it feel more like home. We are starting to adjust to our new surroundings. The Government House team here are exceptional and have made us feel very welcome.
The gardens are magnificent. The garden team has created an array of flower and vegetable gardens, chicken runs, rose gardens, citrus and fruit trees and more. I enjoy walking our dogs each day among the beautiful trees and flowers.