An experienced jurist with four decades of legal experience has been appointed acting judge of the Industrial Court.
Current chair of the State Parole Authority, Geoffrey Bellew SC, has been appointed as acting judge of the Industrial Court.
Over his 40 years in legal practice, Bellew served as a Supreme Court judge from January 2012 to February 2023 in the common law division and a sitting member on the Court of Criminal Appeal.
He was also appointed to review the operation of doli incapax in NSW, concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility, along with former NSW Police deputy commissioner Jeffrey Loy.
Attorney-General Michael Daley said Bellew has had a “long and distinguished legal career”.
“His extensive knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Industrial Court,” Daley said in a statement.
“I congratulate Bellow on his latest appointment.”
Bellew is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney and a sessional lecturer in evidence in the course conducted by the Sydney University Law Extension Committee.
Bellew also held the position of chairperson for both the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal and judicial panel of the National Rugby League.
He is also an author and editor of legal texts on topics including uniform civil procedure and evidence.
Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations, congratulated Bellew on his new appointment.
“With four decades of legal service, including over a decade as a Supreme Court judge, he brings a wealth of knowledge and judicial insight to this important role,” Cotsis said.
Bellew’s appointment will commence on 13 October for a period of 12 months.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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