Attorney-General Michaelia Cash said that the new appointments were another positive step in a variety of changes being implemented to provide further resources at the Newcastle registry.

“Ms Carty and Ms Kearney have extensive experience in family law and are welcome additions to the Newcastle registry,” she said.

“On behalf of the Australian government, I thank them for their willingness to serve the people of Australia as judges of the FCFCOA.”

Furthermore, an additional courtroom and chambers were built as part of the registry upgrade to accommodate the new judge and a new case management system, including a triage system as well as early dispute resolution and early trial date offerings, has been implemented.

This news follows a number of new appointments to the FCFCOA, which was newly merged in August this year.

Peter Campton SC and Suzanne Christie SC have been appointed as justices of division 1; and Vivien Carty, Julie Kearney, Caroline Jenkins, Samantha Murdoch, John McGinn, and Sophie Given have been appointed as judges of division 2 of the FCFCOA. In addition, Judge Michael Jarrett, Judge Grant Riethmuller, and Judge Penelope Kari have been appointed as justices in division 1.

Speaking about the new appointments, Law Council of Australia president Dr Jacoba Brasch QC said that “over the past 18 months, we have been reminded how vital a strong, effective and properly resourced judicial system is”.

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“The Law Council has long called for the timely replacement of retiring judicial officers and acknowledges the Attorney-General for prioritising these appointments and on the selection of such highly qualified members of the profession,” she said.

“Today’s appointments show the Commonwealth’s recognition of the importance of proper resourcing of the courts. For example, with the appointment of Ms Carty and Ms Kearney, the Newcastle registry now has the highest number of judges in its history, which is very welcome.”