Supreme Court to welcome first Indigenous judge, Louise Taylor

Kamilaroi woman and magistrate Louise Taylor says she is conscious of the significance of her appointment as the first person of First Nations heritage to become a judge in the ACT Supreme Court.

“This is of course a very proud day for my family and I, and hope a very proud day for First Nations people, in particular First Nations women,” she said in the courthouse on Wednesday (26 July).

“I feel very honoured to have the privilege to serve the community in this way and I’m very excited to contribute to the work of a productive and energetic court under the leadership of Chief Justice McCallum.”

She was asked by media if she would be focused on First Nations issues when she becomes a judge.

“I will be focused on the work of a Supreme Court judge and I’m hopeful that I’m able to contribute to the way the ACT continues to deal with the challenges and problems that exist in our community that see a whole range of people come before the court,” she said.

She has served as a magistrate in the ACT Magistrates Court since 2018.

While in the role, she became known for the efficient running of her courtroom as well as for talking to the defendants appearing before her in a way that could connect with them.

For journalists, her clear and direct manner meant her comments often made it into their reporting.

She said she reflected on her time as a magistrate “with great pleasure and pride”.

“It’s a difficult job at times, it’s a privilege to do the work of a magistrate and I think the ACT community is very well served by the magistrates of the ACT,” she said.

Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the past five years as a magistrate had seen her “exhibiting her proficiency in both civil and criminal law matters, displaying a commitment to fairness, impartiality and open-mindedness”.

Previously, she worked as the deputy CEO of ACT Legal Aid and held roles with the ACT and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Magistrate Taylor brings to the Supreme Court a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having represented the most vulnerable members of our community in complex matters,” Mr Rattenbury said.

He said the government had recently taken the decision to abolish the position of associate judge and create the role of a sixth permanent judge.

Chief Justice McCallum said Magistrate Taylor had received “thumping” support during the recruitment process for the position.

She also said it was pleasing to welcome her to the Supreme Court as a long-time Canberran and as the first Aboriginal resident judge in the jurisdiction.

“The ACT Supreme Court is committed to fostering an inclusive and representative judiciary that reflects the diversity of the community it serves, so we look forward very much to serving alongside Magistrate Taylor,” the chief justice said.

ACT Bar Association president Marcus Hassall also congratulated Magistrate Taylor.

“As a magistrate, her honour has proven herself to be, among other things, efficient, balanced, worldly, compassionate and insightful,” he said.

Mr Rattenbury said a recruitment process will get underway quickly to get a new magistrate in the ACT.

Belinda Baker and Geoffrey Kennett were announced as judges for the Supreme Court last year, although Justice Kennett later left his position, while Verity McWilliam was sworn in earlier this year.

Ian Temby took up his role as the Magistrates Court’s newest magistrate this year, and three other legal professionals were named as special magistrates.