Guy Green (judge)

Sir Guy Stephen Montague Green, Template:Postnominals (26 July 1937 – 22 July 2025) was an Australian judge who served as the Governor of Tasmania from 1995 to 2003. He was the first Tasmanian-born governor of the state, although not the first Australian-born.

Early life and career

Guy Green was born in Launceston, Tasmania, and attended the Launceston Church Grammar School. He studied law at the University of Tasmania's Hobart Campus, graduating with honours in 1960. He was Chief Justice of Tasmania from 1973 until 1995, the culmination of a distinguished career in law in Tasmania, which saw him serve as a magistrate from 1971 to 1973.<ref>His Excellency The Hon Sir Guy Green, South of No North (Australian Broadcasting Corporation.</ref>

Green was also heavily involved in the University of Tasmania, serving as chancellor before his appointment as governor. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the university in 1996. Sir Guy was also chancellor of the Australian Priory of the Order of St John of Jerusalem before assuming Vice-Regal office.Template:Cn

On 11 May 2003, the Governor-General, Peter Hollingworth, stood aside following a controversy about his past handling of child abuse allegations. Green, the longest-serving state governor, was appointed Administrator of the Commonwealth, or in effect acting governor-general.<ref>Darby, Andrew: Sir Guy a man of 'grace and style', The Age, 12 May 2003.</ref> Hollingworth later announced that he would not be returning to the position. Green served as administrator until Michael Jeffery took office in August 2003.<ref>Sir Guy Green returns to Hobart, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 7 August 2003.</ref> He retired afterwards and was replaced as Tasmanian governor by Richard Butler.

Green was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982,<ref>It's an Honour Template:Webarchive – Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire</ref> appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1994,<ref>It's an Honour Template:Webarchive – Companion of the Order of Australia</ref> and appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Tasmania in 2000.<ref>It's an Honour Template:Webarchive – Commander of the Royal Victorian Order</ref> He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001.<ref>It's an Honour Template:Webarchive – Centenary Medal</ref>

On retiring from the governorship, Green continued to contribute to Tasmania, as chairman of trustees of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and chairman of the board of the 10 Days on the Island festival.<ref>About the Board Template:Webarchive, Menzies Institute for Medical Research.</ref>

Green was a member (1975–1980) of the Australian Board of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and during this period was the Tasmanian chairman for the Award.Template:Cn

Death

Green died from a short illness in Hobart, Tasmania, on 22 July 2025, at the age of 87.<ref>Former Tasmanian governor Sir Guy Green dies aged 87 after long legal and public career</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Honours, awards and styles

• Guy Green (1939–1973)
• The Hon. Mr Justice Green (1973–1982)
• The Hon. Sir Guy Green, KBE (1982–1994)
• The Hon. Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE (1994–1995)
• His Excellency the Hon. Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE, 24th Governor of Tasmania (1995–2000)
• His Excellency the Hon. Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE, CVO, 24th Governor of Tasmania (2000–2003)
• The Hon. Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE, CVO (2003–2025)

File:AUS Order of Australia (civil) BAR.svg	Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)	1994
File:Order of the British Empire (Civil) Ribbon.png	Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)	1982
File:Royal Victorian Order UK ribbon.png	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	2000
File:AUS Centenary Medal ribbon.svg	Centenary Medal	2001