SEEKING A NEW CHIEF MAGISTRATE FOR NORFOLK ISLAND

The Australian Government has commenced recruitment for a new Chief Magistrate and Coroner for Norfolk Island, with the upcoming retirement of current Chief Magistrate and Coroner, Ms Wendy Cull.

The Chief Magistrate and Coroner positions are critical appointments that will help ensure the continued delivery of high-quality judicial services for Norfolk Island.

As the head of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions, the Chief Magistrate provides judicial leadership, oversees the effective operation of the Court and is responsible for hearing and determining a wide range of matters affecting the community. Similarly, the Coroner is responsible for inquests and inquiries into deaths on the Island.

The role requires a highly experienced legal professional with strong judicial expertise, sound judgement and leadership capabilities. The successful applicant will play an important role in upholding the rule of law, maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice and ensuring Norfolk Island residents continue to have access to fair, independent and accessible court services.

The process is also seeking to find a candidate who would be appointed as Coroner, as well as a candidate to fill the roles of Magistrate and Deputy Coroner who is appropriately qualified to act as Chief Magistrate and Coroner if required.

Applications for these positions are now open. For more information about the role, including the selection criteria and application process, visit https://career10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=48141&company=DoIT

The recruitment process follows the retirement announcement of Ms Wendy Cull, who has served as Chief Magistrate since 2017.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP:

"The Chief Magistrate is a critical leadership position within Norfolk Island's justice system, and we are seeking an experienced judicial officer who can continue to uphold the independence, integrity and accessibility of the Territory's courts.

"This role provides an important opportunity to contribute to the delivery of fair, effective and accessible justice services for the Norfolk Island community, while providing strong leadership to the Court of Petty Sessions.

"I thank Wendy Cull for her dedicated service over almost a decade as Chief Magistrate and for her significant contribution to the administration of justice on Norfolk Island.

“Over almost a decade in the role, Ms Cull presided over the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions and the Coroner’s Court of Norfolk Island.

“Her professionalism, sound legal judgement and commitment to the administration of justice have contributed significantly to the effective operation of Norfolk Island's courts and supported access to fair and independent justice for the community.”