“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Peter Cole as a Federal Magistrate,” McClelland said on 19 September.

“I look forward to the contribution Mr Cole will make to the law in his new capacity.”

McClelland said the government’s transparent process for judicial appointments can give the public confidence that every appointment is made on merit.

The government sought expressions of interest and nominations through the national media, undertook extensive consultations, and appointed a high-level panel to assess candidates and recommend suitable candidates.

Cole is a graduate of the University of Western Australia, has been a senior associate with Robert Parkinson & Associates in Perth since 2005 and President of the Family Law Practitioners Association in Western Australia since 2006. He has a special interest in family law.

Cole’s appointment will commence in November 2008.