Justice Darryl Rangiah is an esteemed Australian judge serving on the Federal Court of Australia since his appointment in 2013. He also holds an additional judgeship at the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory. Prior to his judicial career, Justice Rangiah practiced as a barrister at the Queensland Bar, earning the title of Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 2008.
Darryl Rangiah has held leadership roles in various tribunals, including chairing the Queensland Fisheries Tribunal for nine years and serving as a member of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal for five years. Additionally, he contributes to legal education as a member of the Griffith University Law School Advisory Committee and the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre Committee.
In June 2025, Justice Rangiah presided over a significant case involving the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The case centered on the unlawful termination of journalist Antoinette Lattouf’s employment, which the court found was due to her political opinions regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Justice Rangiah’s 185-page judgment critically examined the actions of ABC’s senior management, revealing internal communications that indicated pressure from external lobby groups and a lack of due process in the dismissal. The court ruled that the ABC’s actions breached the Fair Work Act, leading to a $70,000 award to Lattouf for non-economic loss.
Early Life and Education
Justice Rangiah’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University in 1985. Recognizing his passion for law, he pursued a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the Queensland University of Technology, graduating in 1991. His legal career commenced at Paul Richards & Associates in 1986, where he completed his articles alongside Tony McAvoy, now a distinguished native title barrister in New South Wales.
Legal Career and Judicial Appointment
After being admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1991, Justice Rangiah built a distinguished practice at the Queensland Bar, specializing in administrative law, commercial law, native title, personal injury, industrial cases, and appellate matters across Federal and State courts. In 2008, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel, recognizing his expertise and standing in the legal community.
His leadership extended to various tribunals, including a nine-year tenure as chair of the Queensland Fisheries Tribunal and a five-year membership in the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal. Additionally, he served on the Griffith University Law School Advisory Committee and the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre Committee, reflecting his commitment to legal education and public service.
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Notable Cases
One of Justice Rangiah’s most significant rulings was in the case of Antoinette Lattouf vs. the ABC, where he found that the broadcaster unlawfully terminated Lattouf’s employment in December 2023. The court determined that her dismissal was influenced by her political opinions regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, breaching the Fair Work Act. This 185-page judgment critically examined the actions of ABC’s senior management, revealing internal communications that indicated pressure from external lobby groups and a lack of due process in the dismissal. The court awarded Lattouf $70,000 for non-economic loss and set a date for a hearing on whether a pecuniary penalty should be imposed on the ABC.
Personal Life
Justice Rangiah is of Indian descent, with his parents being Indian immigrants to Australia. He maintains a private personal life, and details about his family, including his marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Justice Darryl Rangiah’s biography is a testament to a career dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. From his early education to his significant judicial appointments, his journey reflects a commitment to fairness and integrity. His recent judgment in the Antoinette Lattouf case underscores his courage in addressing complex legal issues and his dedication to upholding the principles of justice.
FAQs
What is Justice Darryl Rangiah’s educational background?
Justice Rangiah holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the Queensland University of Technology.
When was Justice Rangiah appointed to the Federal Court of Australia?
He was appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia on 13 August 2013.
What areas of law does Justice Rangiah specialize in?
He specializes in administrative law, commercial law, native title, personal injury, industrial cases, and appellate matters.
Has Justice Rangiah held leadership roles in any tribunals?
Yes, he served as chair of the Queensland Fisheries Tribunal for nine years and was a member of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal for five years.
What was the outcome of the Antoinette Lattouf vs. ABC case?
The court found that the ABC unlawfully terminated Lattouf’s employment, awarding her $70,000 for non-economic loss.
What is Justice Rangiah’s ethnic background?
He is of Indian descent, with his parents being Indian immigrants to Australia.
Is there information available about Justice Rangiah’s family?
Details about his family, including his marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
Has Justice Rangiah been involved in legal education?
Yes, he has been a member of the Griffith University Law School Advisory Committee and the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre Committee.
What was Justice Rangiah’s role before his judicial appointment?
Prior to his appointment, he practiced as a barrister at the Queensland Bar and held leadership roles in various tribunals.
