A number of new appointments to the South Australian judiciary to fill a series of vacancies were announced on Thursday.
District Court Judge Julie McIntyre is being elevated to the Supreme Court, ahead of the retirement of Justice Kevin Nicholson.
Magistrates Nick Alexandrides and Michelle Sutcliffe will be appointed to the District Court to fill both Judge McIntyre’s vacancy and the vacancy created by the imminent retirement of Judge Paul Cuthbertson.
“Judge McIntyre, Magistrate Alexandrides and Magistrate Sutcliffe have all served with distinction in their time with the District and Magistrates Court respectively, and I’m sure their fine work will continue in their new roles,” Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, said in a statement.
In addition, Kristopher Handshin KC has also been appointed to the District Court to fill a vacancy created with the elevation last year of Justice Kimber from the District to the Supreme Court.
Michael Barnett and Joanna Martin have been appointed to the Magistrates Court and in a historic South Australian first, Lana Chester and Natalie Browne become the first Aboriginal magistrates in history with their appointment to the judiciary.
Mr Maher said this is an exciting moment in South Australia’s state history with Ms Chester and Ms Browne taking on their appointments as the first Aboriginal magistrates in history.
“Both are exceptionally qualified, experienced appointees with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I’m sure will serve them well during their time in the Magistrates Court,” he added.
Judge McIntyre commences with the Supreme Court next week; while Judges Alexandrides, Sutcliffe and Handshin will take up their new roles throughout February; as will Magistrates Martin and Barnett.
“It is great to see the elevation of some exceptional judicial officers while simultaneously welcoming some new minds to the judiciary,” Mr Maher said.
