After graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws in 1965, Bryce became the first Queensland woman to be admitted to the Queensland Bar. She went on to teach at UQ’s Faculty of Law from 1968—83.

Bryce is perhaps best known for her significant contribution to social justice issues. Among the various roles she has taken on throughout her career, she became the Queensland director of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1987, she was the Federal Sex Discrimination Commission from 1989-93, and she was the founding chairwoman and chief executive officer of the National Childcare Accreditation Council from 1993-96.

She was then the principal and chief executive officer of The Women’s College at the University of Sydney from 1997- 03, before being appointed as the Governor of Queensland in 2003.

Describing Bryce as “a pioneer in all aspects of her life”, Hugh Macken, president of the Law Society of NSW, said her recent appointment as the first female Governor-General was an inspiration to the legal profession.

“Quentin Bryce has contributed greatly to the legal community both academically and professionally and through her own successes has helped elevate the standing and calibre of the profession,” he said.

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“Her appointment as governor general is not only a testament to her extraordinary skill and expertise, but it also recognises the extraordinary work she has done in helping to pave the way for women within the legal profession.”