Farewell dear friend - the Hon. Philip Cummins AM. Chair of the Victoria Law Foundation 2009 – 2014

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the Honourable Justice Philip Cummins AM. A much-loved friend of the Foundation, his professional commitments revealed his deep and abiding humanity and concern for others.

A Judge of the Supreme Court from 1988 to 2009, Justice Cummins had a distinguished legal career characterised by intelligence and energy, that he continued to demonstrate in the years after his retirement from the Bench in 2010.

Showing his underlying commitment to helping the vulnerable and to improving the law, from September 2012 he served as Chair of the Law Reform Commission, and President of the Commonwealth Association of Law Reform Agencies based in London.

Justice Cummins chaired the inquiry into Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry in 2010/11 and served also as President of the Court Network, supporting Victorians in their dealings with the court system.

While Justice Cummins had a sparkling legal career, at the Foundation we knew Philip best as a witty, warm-hearted and generous friend. As Chair of the Foundation from 2009 to 2014, he was particularly passionate about our Education function, cementing our strong reputation in helping Victorians understand the law.

More recently as a Law Talks presenter, he engaged hundreds of young Victorians with his judicial experience, and stories funny, interesting and wise. A beloved member of our team, we will miss him dearly.