Turning to the importance of the independence of the Judiciary, Mr Justice Power stressed that it was essential that judges stood aloof and be insulated from the political arena which gave birth to the laws which they must interpret.
He said the Judiciary must equally stand apart from and be independent of the executive.
"It is true that the Judiciary provides the mechanism through which the coercive powers of the executive are exercised.
"It must, however, at the same time ensure that citizens are protected against any abuse of those processes. In the last resort the freedom of us all rests with the courts," he said.
Mr Justice Power assured the gathering that Hong Kong's Judiciary did stand independent and was firmly resolved to maintain the independence in the coming years.
"Let me finally assure all of the people of Hong Kong that they have an independent, capable and hard- working judiciary versed in the common law and that they have a judiciary which will, without fear or favour, administer that law in the coming years," he said.
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Labour Department launches construction safety campaign
Construction companies are invited to take part in a territory-wide Construction Safety Award Scheme to promote safety on construction sites.
Speaking at a press conference today (Monday) to announce details of the scheme, the Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Lee Kai-fat, said the scheme was aimed at reinforcing the commitment of construction industry to ensure safety and health at work and increasing the safety awareness among workers, by recognising and rewarding contractors, site management and workers who had particularly outstanding safety and occupational health performance.
Mr Lee added that while there were several similar annual award schemes, there was not a single one which covered both public and private sector projects.
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