SECOND ACTING JUDGE APPOINTED TO ACT SUPREME COURT

Attorney General, Simon Corbell, has today announced The Hon. Acting Justice Jane Mathews AO, as the second acting judge to the ACT Supreme Court to help address a current backlog.

"I am happy to today announce the appointment of Acting Justice Jane Mathews as an acting judge of the ACT Supreme Court," Mr Corbell said.

The appointment today of Acting Justice Mathews to the ACT Supreme Court follows the announcement last week of former New South Wales District Court Judge, John Nield, as an acting judge of the court.

"This is the second of the acting appointments that the Government has committed to funding as part of the 2010-11 Budget, to provide the court with some assistance to reduce the backlog," Mr Corbell said.

"This is one practical way that the Government can assist the court in addressing the problems being experienced with backlogs."

"Acting Justice Mathews is a highly respected member of the judiciary, with a formidable background in the law. She has held appointments to a number of Australian courts. She is highly respected in the legal community and by her peers."

Acting Justice Mathews served as a crown prosecutor before being appointed in 1980 as a Judge of the New South Wales District Court and, in 1987, a Judge of the New South Wales Supreme Court.

In 1994 Justice Mathews was appointed to the Federal Court and was also the President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Deputy President of the Native Title Tribunal (1994 -1999).

Acting Justice Mathews founded the Australian Association of Women Judges and between 2004 and 2006 was President of the International Association of Women Judges. In 2007 she was made Patron of the Women Lawyers Association of NSW.

Acting Justice Mathews has also held numerous other positions including President of the Arts Law Centre of Australia.

"I welcome Acting Justice Mathews to the ACT legal profession and wish her well in her duties as an acting judge," Mr Corbell concluded.

It is expected Acting Justice Mathews will commence sitting in the Supreme Court in October 2010.

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 0432 758 224 patrick.cronan@act.gov.au