CHIEF JUDGE

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:09): Can the Attorney-General inform the house about the appointment of the state's new Chief Judge?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:09): I thank the honourable member for her question. Can I say that I have pleasure in informing the house that today I have announced that the Governor has confirmed the appointment of His Honour Judge Geoffrey Muecke as the Chief Judge following the retirement of His Honour Judge Terry Worthington earlier this year.

Judge Muecke will bring vast experience to the role. Judge Muecke has acted in the role of Chief Judge since the retirement of Chief Judge Worthington and has served in this role very well. Judge Muecke was admitted to practice in 1970, and served various roles in the Attorney-General's Department before joining Jeffcott Chambers in 1982. He made his name serving in a number of complex civil cases and royal commissions, including those into prisons and the former State Bank. Judge Muecke was appointed as a judge of the District Court in 1999.

Following his appointment as a judge, His Honour has served as a judge of the Environment, Resources and Development Court, and was appointed as the presiding member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee as well. He has also served as a deputy presiding member or officer of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal.

Today, the Governor has also confirmed that Judge David Lovell will serve in the role of Acting Chief Judge whilst Judge Muecke takes leave in August. Judge Lovell was appointed as a judge of the District Court on 4 May 2006. Prior to his appointment as a judge, Judge Lovell practised as a barrister at Jeffcott chambers—another one for Jeffcott—from 1990 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002.

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: I suspect he may have worked with the member for Heysen at some stage. He was appointed president of the Racing Appeals Tribunal in 2001 and remained in that position until his appointment to the District Court. Both appointments come into effect from today. I am sure that all members will wish Chief Judge Muecke and Judge Lovell well in their new roles, and I have no doubt they will continue to provide a great service to the people of South Australia and the justice system.