Appointments to the Federal Courts

18/12/2017

The Federal Attorney-General Senator the Hon George Brandis QC has announced a number of appointments to the Federal Courts as follows.

Federal Court of Australia

• Mr Thomas Thawley SC will commence in the Sydney Registry on 14 February 2018;
• The Hon Justice Katrina Banks-Smith and Mr Craig Colvin SC will commence in the Perth Registry on 12 and 13 February 2018, respectively.

Family Court of Australia

• The Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, the Hon William Alstergren, has also been appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Family Court. He will continue to hold a dual commission as Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court;
• Judge Michael Baumann, who is currently a Judge of the Federal Circuit Court, has been promoted to the position of Judge at the Family Court, based in Brisbane.

Federal Circuit Court of Australia

• Ms Julia Baird SC will commence in the Sydney Registry on 20 February 2018;
• Dr Christopher Kendall will commence in the Perth Registry on 29 January 2018;
• Ms Caroline Kirton QC will commence in the Melbourne Registry on 29 January 2018;
• Mr Gregory Egan will commence in the Brisbane Registry on 18 December 2017.

The Attorney-General has also announced the appointment of Ms Philippa Lynch PSM as the Chief Executive and Principal Registrar of the High Court of Australia, who will commence a five year term on 10 February 2018.