Hon Justice Jayne Jagot, Lindsay Foster SC and Nye Perram SC were announced as judges of the Federal Court to the Sydney registry.

“I look forward to each of them making a positive contribution to the law in their new capacity,” McClelland said.

Measures intended to improve the transparency of the judicial appointment process put in place by the Rudd Government include public advertisements being placed in the national media seeking expressions of interest and nominations.

There was also a process of extensive consultation with individuals and professional bodies and the establishment of a panel to assess all candidates against published criteria. Recommendations were then made to the Attorney-General on a number of highly suitable candidates.

The selection panel comprised former High Court Chief Justice Sir Gerard Brennan AC, KBE, Federal Court Chief Justice Michael Black AC (or a senior judge nominated by him), Acting NSW Supreme Court Justice Jane Mathews and a senior officer of the Attorney-General’s Department.

McClelland said: “The more transparent process can give the public confidence that the appointments were made on merit.”

“I am also pleased that this process has resulted in appointments reflecting expertise, diversity and experience,” he said.

“I would like to thank all of those who participated in the process. I am impressed that more than 100 nominations and expressions of interest were received for the positions.”