Reception marking the retirement of John Flynn

19 March 1998

John Flynn AM had a stellar Territory career in the public and private sectors. Associate to Justice Alan Bridge of the NT Supreme Court in the early 60’s he subsequently accepted a position in Gove where he served in various roles including Town Manager. Thereafter he was recruited by the mine owner Nabalco as Commercial Manager. During this time John Flynn stood as the Labor candidate in the NT General Election 1974. He was enticed back to Darwin by Ian Barker to join the Department of Law. He fulfilled various senior roles at Deputy Secretary level and two stints as Public Trustee. John was appointed the inaugural Executive Director, Courts Administration Office (now styled Courts Administration Unit within the Department of Attorney General & Justice) during the Stone Government. The Office was independent of the Department of Law, the Supreme and Local Courts; the Executive Director reported directly to the Chief Minister. The Office was a compromise as Chief Minister Stone preferred a Judicial Commission modelled on NSW to deal with delayed judgements and magistrates refusing deployment to regional centres. Also, unacceptable court delays and budgetary issues were causing concern in Government. Post public service John Flynn undertook a number of commercial assignments including as Chairman of TIO. On Australia Day 2008 John Flynn was made a Member of the Order of Australia. His citation read: ‘’ For service to the community of the Northern Territory in a range of public sector roles supporting the administration of justice, and through sporting, church and Indigenous welfare organisations”. It was fitting John's retirement in 1998 was accorded a Reception to thank him for his service. Chief Minister Stone speaking in praise of John Flynn.

Download   JPEG / 208 KB

Can you help us by providing additional information about this item?