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Judicial Commission chief executive retires

After three decades at the helm, Judicial Commission of NSW chief executive Ernest Schmatt AM PSM has announced he is retiring.

user iconNaomi Neilson 28 February 2022 Big Law
Judicial Commission chief executive retires
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For the last 33 years, Mr Schmatt has been responsible for the commission’s operations, including managing finances, overseeing research, handling complaints, developing information systems and running education activities.

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman thanked Mr Schmatt for his leadership and his extraordinary achievements over the course of his impressive career.

“Ernest has played a significant role in the way law is practised in NSW. He’s worked for the benefit of every legal professional who accesses educational courses, information, services or resources through the commission,” Mr Speakman said.

“I wish Ernest all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

After being admitted in 1979, Mr Schmatt held senior legal and management positions in the public sector and has served as solicitor assisting the special commission of inquiry into the police investigation of the death of Donald McKay.

Mr Schmatt joined the Judicial Commission at its founding in 1987 before being appointed its chief executive in 1989.

“Ernest’s work has crossed state and national borders. He has occupied senior positions with the Nova Scotia-based Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute, the Asia Pacific Judicial Reform Forum and the International Organisation for Judicial Training, where he rose to deputy secretary general,” Mr Speakman said.

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

You can email Naomi at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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