The Honourable Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of South Australia, has announced his resignation from the Supreme Court, with his departure to take effect on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Chief Justice Kourakis confirmed he formally submitted his resignation to the Governor on 11 November 2025, bringing to a close more than 17 years of service on the Supreme Court bench, including 13 years as Chief Justice.
He was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2008 and elevated to Chief Justice in 2012. In his statement, he noted that all 13 current Justices of the Court were appointed after his arrival, with nine appointed in the past six years, describing this as an appropriate time to step down.
Reflecting on his tenure, Chief Justice Kourakis expressed deep gratitude to his judicial colleagues for their “diligent and conscientious commitment to the administration of justice,” as well as to the executive leadership and staff of the Courts Administration Authority for their dedicated support of the judiciary.
A proud Greek Australian and the state’s first Chief Justice of Greek heritage, his Honour’s influence reaches deeply into the cultural and community spheres.
He is the National Patron of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association and contributes to the preservation and celebration of Greek culture in Australia, serving as patron of the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, the Australian Hellenic Medical Charity and supporting the LOGOS Australian Centre for Hellenic Language and Culture at Flinders University.
On Tuesday, Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the government had “begun the process” of appointing a new Chief Justice and would make further announcements in the coming weeks.
“I sincerely thank Chief Justice Kourakis for his exemplary leadership of the judiciary and his long service to the South Australian justice system,” Mr Maher said.
“His tenure as Chief Justice has been characterised by intellectual leadership, integrity and collegiality. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Chief Justice Kourakis demonstrated adaptability, bringing the South Australian justice system into the 21st century through the introduction of electronic case management.”
Mr Maher also praised the outgoing Chief Justice’s personal qualities, describing him as widely respected for his humility, kindness and generosity of time.
“I wish Chief Justice Kourakis all the best for a well-earned retirement,” he said.
Chief Justice Kourakis’ resignation will trigger the appointment of a new head of the Supreme Court early next year.
