Login
2 new FCFCOA judges appointed
Two new judges have been appointed to the Newcastle registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, bringing the total number of judges to a record-high in the region.
Lauren Croft
Vivien Carty will replace Justice Janet Terry as a judge of the FCFCOA (division 2) Newcastle registry, and Julie Kearney has been appointed as an additional judge in the Newcastle registry.
“Ms Carty and Ms Kearney have extensive experience in family law and are welcome additions to the Newcastle registry,” she said.
“On behalf of the Australian government, I thank them for their willingness to serve the people of Australia as judges of the FCFCOA.”
Furthermore, an additional courtroom and chambers were built as part of the registry upgrade to accommodate the new judge and a new case management system, including a triage system as well as early dispute resolution and early trial date offerings, has been implemented.
This news follows a number of new appointments to the FCFCOA, which was newly merged in August this year.
Peter Campton SC and Suzanne Christie SC have been appointed as justices of division 1; and Vivien Carty, Julie Kearney, Caroline Jenkins, Samantha Murdoch, John McGinn, and Sophie Given have been appointed as judges of division 2 of the FCFCOA. In addition, Judge Michael Jarrett, Judge Grant Riethmuller, and Judge Penelope Kari have been appointed as justices in division 1.
Speaking about the new appointments, Law Council of Australia president Dr Jacoba Brasch QC said that “over the past 18 months, we have been reminded how vital a strong, effective and properly resourced judicial system is”.
“The Law Council has long called for the timely replacement of retiring judicial officers and acknowledges the Attorney-General for prioritising these appointments and on the selection of such highly qualified members of the profession,” she said.
“Today’s appointments show the Commonwealth’s recognition of the importance of proper resourcing of the courts. For example, with the appointment of Ms Carty and Ms Kearney, the Newcastle registry now has the highest number of judges in its history, which is very welcome.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
