St Joseph’s College was privileged to launched Fr Frank Brennan’s collection of Sir William Deane’s inspiring speeches. Hosted by Br Michael Green, with reflections from The Hon Michael Daley MP, Attorney General of New South Wales and The Most Reverend Anthony Percy (1980), Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, the NSW launch of “Equality, Reconciliation and Social Cohesion: The Inspiration of Sir William Deane” was held in conjunction with a celebration of 50 years of the Br Liguori Resources Centre.
The NSW launch of “Equality, Reconciliation and Social Cohesion: The Inspiration of Sir William Deane” on 23 October 2026
Fr Frank Brennan
The influence of Br Liguori
Br Michael Green reflected on the enduring influence of Brother Liguori on one of his top students in 1947, Bill Deane, whose outstanding results included As in both Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2, passing with first-class honours. Br Liguori taught mathematics for four decades, from the 1920s, during which time his students never failed to place in the top 10 in the state, achieving first place no fewer than eight times.
Br Liguori’s ideas were prescient and insightful and no doubt were shared with his students. “Certainly, these qualities were marks of the stellar legal career that Bill Deane was to follow, rising to being a leading silk of the Sydney Bar, then to the Federal Court bench and the High Court … Sir William Deane remained a close friend of Br Liguori for many years, and he would visit him here often at the College, right up until the time of Liguori’s death in 1972,” noted Br Michael in his address, which highlighted Sir William’s focus on moral leadership, human dignity, equality and his courage in defending truth and principle.
NSW Attorney General, Michael Daley, cited Sir William’s judicial record and willingness to dissent where evidence raised doubt. He stated: “Ultimately, this book is important because it reminds us that social cohesion is not something a nation can take for granted. It’s a moral achievement that must be held sacred and renewed by every generation. A country becomes stronger not when its citizens all think alike, but when they can live together with justice, dignity and mutual respect, and a genuine concern for one another. That’s the enduring relevance of Sir William Deane’s example, and Frank’s collection deserves serious attention today.”
The Hon Michael Daley, Attorney General of New South Wales and the Member for Maroubra in the NSW Legislative Assembly
Life & public service
In reflecting on Deane’s life and public service, Rev. Anthony Percy highlighted the qualities that defined both his judicial career and his tenure as Governor General: a deep compassion for all Australians, an unwavering commitment to democratic justice and a profound sense of duty grounded in faith.
Justice Deane observed, as he was sworn in to join the High Court in 1982: “The source of law and of judicial power in a true political democracy such as Australia is the people themselves, the government, the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the good and the bad, all manner of people.” As a witness to his oath, he declared: “I have called upon the God in whom I profoundly believe. I shall honour it.”
Rev. Percy noted that these words encapsulate the character of a man whose public service, from the High Court to Government House, was marked by compassion, integrity and a commitment to serving all Australians. “It’s about truth and fairness and justice, and tempered always by compassion,” noted Rev. Percy in thanking Fr Frank Brennan for his great courage in publishing this book.
The Most Rev. Anthony Percy
The relevance of Deane’s message
In this keynote, drawing on his lifelong friendship with Sir William Deane and his experience as the former Governor General’s associate in 1981, Fr Frank Brennan said he felt compelled to compile “The Inspiration of Sir William Deane” because Deane’s message of “equality, reconciliation and social cohesion” remained urgently relevant. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum and the recent Bondi tragedy, Fr Brennan said the need for Deane’s wisdom became clear when Governor General Sam Mostyn repeatedly drew on his words in moments of national reflection.
Fr Brennan recalled that Deane initially resisted the project, telling him: “I’m 95, I’m out of public life, and I don’t want any publicity.” However, after a second conversation, Deane handed him a USB containing 500 speeches, granting permission for the book on one condition: “You are always welcome in this house, but we are never to discuss the book.” Brennan was delighted, and once completed, Deane told him he was “well pleased with the book”.
Speaking at St Joseph’s College, Deane’s alma mater, Fr Brennan said the venue was particularly fitting because it reflected the values that shaped Deane’s life and public service. He pointed to Deane’s enduring affection for the Marist tradition, quoting his hope that “the spirit and the philosophy and standards of the Marist will continue to guide and inspire the College in the years to come”.
Fr Brennan said Deane’s voice continues to resonate through national leaders today. Citing a passage recently used by Governor General Mostyn, he highlighted one of Deane’s observations: “That spirit of generosity is the great healing force of our nation.”
Fr Brennan said the book was published at a time when Australia needed Deane’s example most, describing him as a figure capable of bringing together questions of social cohesion, reconciliation and national unity “with authority and … with compassion”.
Br Michael Green hosted the book launch in the Br Liguori Resources Centre
