Interstate lawyers are now eligible to appoint judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria after Parliament agreed to amend the State’s constitution last week.

Other judicial reforms also provided for the urgent provision of an Acting-Chief Justice — the first of which is John Winneke who was appointed earlier this week (18 October 2003).

Meanwhile, the Government remains on the lookout for a permanent replacement for retired Chief Justice John Phillips. Attorney-General Rob Hulls was pleased that, because of the changes, the search could now cover more territory.

“The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the most senior judicial position in Victoria. I am determined to take all possible steps to ensure we are able to consider the best and brightest legal minds for this vital position,” Hulls said.