MS 9004
Papers of Justice Barry Maddern (1937-1994)



Scope and Contents Note

  • Papers
  • 1958-1994
  • 56cm. (4 boxes)
  • Restricted until 2015

The papers were donated to the Library by Maddern's widow, Janice Maddern in 1995.

The collection comprises speeches and addresses given by Barry Maddern from 1970-80, personal cuttings files from 1967-94, and his personal collection of industrial relations cartoons from 1970-81. There is also a folder of letters of congratulations (and replies) on the various appointments in his work in industrial relations and a small collection of photographs and documents which record milestones in his life and career. A small collection of reports and papers from a visit to Papua New Guinea in 1963 under the auspices of Rotary and copies of magazines edited by Maddern document the beginnings of his career.

Biographical Note

Justice Barry Maddern was born in Geelong in 1937. His career began as an industrial advocate in the oil refining industry. He studied law at the University of Melbourne, and in 1966 he was admitted to the Victorian Bar.

From 1967 to 1980 Maddern was an industrial advocate, first as a barrister and later as an independent advocate for the National Employees Policy Committee and various employer organisations. He was Deputy-President of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission from 1980 to 1985, and President from 1985 to 1989. In 1989 he was appointed president of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, a position he held until his death. In 1992 Maddern was awarded The Order of Australia, Companion in the General Division (AC).

Barry Maddern died in Melbourne in January 1994.


Series Description

Box 1

Folders 1-5      Speeches and addresses by Barry Maddern, 1970-1980      

Folders 6-9      Personal cuttings files, 1967-1874.  Includes some      
                 correspondence                                          

Box 2

Folders 10-18    Personal cuttings files, 1974-1985                      

Box 3

Folders 19-21    Personal cuttings files, 1986-1994 and folder titled    
                 'Personalities' (1967-1983)                             

Folder/ Piece    Personal collection of industrial relations cartoons    
22-23            (1970-1981)                                             

Folder 24        Letters of congratulation (and replies) on Maddern's    
                 appointment as Deputy-President of the Industrial       
                 Relations Commission (1980) and documents from          
                 ceremonies for appointment later as President,          
                 (1985-1986).  One letter of congratulation (and reply)  
                 on being asked to represent the National Employers      
                 Policy Committee as an industrial advocate.             

Bag 25           Photographs of Maddern as an adolescent and as an       
                 adult, in various phases of his career.  1958 Federal   
                 election brochure for Maddern as endorsed Liberal and   
                 Country Party candidate; documents pertaining to        
                 admission to the Bar; Order of Australia investiture    
                 booklet; and University of Melbourne 1965 Commencement  
                 Ball programme.                                         

Box 4

Pieces 26-28     Reports, cuttings, and papers relating to a visit to    
                 Papua New Guinea in 1963 by Maddern under the auspices  
                 of Rotary.                                              

Folder 29        Copies of magazines edited by Maddern.                  
                 Altona refiner.  Vol. 8 no.1-8 (Jan. 1961-July 1961)    
                 Published by Standard Vacuum Oil Co.                    
                 Mobil news.  Vol. 1 No. 5 (December 1962). Published    
                 by Mobil Oil Australia.