Bolton, Ms E.

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (14:14): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: I was saddened to be informed of Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Bolton's pending retirement. The Chief Magistrate has had a distinguished career in the law, including her early roles as a prosecutor in the South Australian Attorney-General's Department from 1987 to 1991 and as assistant deputy director of the Adelaide Office of the Commonwealth DPP from 1991 to 1995.

Chief Magistrate Bolton was appointed as a stipendiary magistrate in 1999, and as a regional manager of Christies Beach court in 2004. In 2007, as you would be aware, Mr Speaker, she was appointed as South Australia's Chief Magistrate. As Attorney-General I have worked closely with the Chief Magistrate. In my personal experience, the Chief Magistrate has been a pleasure to work with, and I have always welcomed her advice and counsel.

I consider the Magistrates Court jurisdiction to be one that is extremely important and complicated. From the criminal justice point of view, the Magistrates Court is where the 'tyres hit the ground'. The Chief Magistrate's leadership has exemplified the qualities the South Australian people expect from their judicial officers. I wish to thank the Chief Magistrate on behalf of the government for her contribution to the courts and to the South Australian community.

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hartley is called to order.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader is called to order.